Why USMNT can't appeal Folarin Balogun's controversial red card

Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card cannot be appealed under FIFA’s automatic-suspension rules, leaving the U.S. men’s national team to plan for the Round of 16 against Belgium without its star striker. The decision followed a collision with Tarik Muhamerovic and came after a VAR review, which can only confirm a red card or decide that no red is warranted. FIFA regulations cited by the report say a sending-off automatically suspends a player for the next match, with no automatic reduction even if additional discipline is considered. Tyler Adams referenced the rule after the USMNT’s 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California. Ricardo Pepi is the most likely starter, with Haji Wright and potentially Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, or Gio Reyna as alternatives. Mark McKenzie and Cristian Roldan did not dress.