The United States reserved their land to FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 with a 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, but the night ended in sadness for striker Folarin Balogun, who made an unnecessary World Cup record.Balogun became only the fourth player to score and receive a red card in a FIFA World Cup knockout game. The 24-year-old joins a list that includes Brazilian legend Garrincha (1962 semi-final), Ronaldinho (2002 quarter-final), and French icon Zinedine Zidane, whose sacking occurred in the 2006 final.Unimportant list of World Cup:
- Folarin Balogun – 2026 round of 32
- Zinedine Zidane – 2006 final
- Ronaldinho – 2002 quarter-final
- Garrincha – 1962 semi-final
Purpose, celebration and heartbreak
Balogun looked destined to be the hero after putting the United States ahead just before the half. He had already seen another effort ruled out for offside before calmly finishing after Malik Tillman’s pass was headed his way.The shooter celebrated with his version of NBA legend LeBron James’ “Silencer” celebration, a moment that attracted James on social media.However, the game took a dramatic turn in the 64th minute.Balogun competed with Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic for the ball and accidentally stepped on the goal. Brazilian referee Raphael Claus initially allowed play to continue but upgraded the decision to a straight red card following a VAR review.
Folarin Balogun (20) of the United States was in action after scoring his team’s first goal. (AP Photo)
The USA was angered by the red card
The suspension means that Balogun will miss the Round of 16 match against Belgium.“It’s sad to be honest,” captain Christian Pulisic said after the game. “It just seems so painful to get this. He’s done so much for us, and now we’ve got him back. If he has to miss the next game, it’s ridiculous because of something like that.”Head coach Mauricio Pochettino also disagreed with the idea.“It wasn’t intentional,” Pochettino said. “It’s not a red card. No. If the intention is to damage the opponent, fine, I understand. But it wasn’t like that. It was a rare event in football that you fight for the ball and your feet fall.”Despite the odds, the Americans held on with 10 men before Tillman sealed the victory with a late free-kick, ensuring the USA progressed as Balogun watched on from the sidelines. The player’s suspension now leaves Mauricio Pochettino with a tough decision to make ahead of Monday’s Round of 16 match against Belgium.
