USMNT loses leading goal scorer Folarin Balogun for next match after controversial red card

The United States Men’s National Team notched a massive victory in the World Cup on Wednesday night, defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina by a score of 2-0 to advance to the round of 16, where they’ll meet Belgium. Unfortunately, with the win came a rather significant loss.

The USMNT is advancing in the World Cup, notching its first victory in the knockout round since 2002. However, that celebration is a bit muted because the team will now be without its leading goal scorer in the next match after he was sent off with a red card.

Balogun Gets Red Card

Early in the second half of Wednesday night’s match, Balogun was issued a red card after a VAR review for dragging his cleats down the back of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic’s leg and onto his foot.

This play is being reviewed for a potential red card against the US pic.twitter.com/EdyPpgpycA

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 2, 2026

This came after Balogun, who has been the team’s leading scorer throughout the tournament, scored late in the first half to give the USMNT a 1-0 lead.

While Balogun was not even issued a yellow card in real time, the VAR review deemed that the foul was worthy of a red card. As a result, Balogun was sent off, and the United States was forced to play the remaining 30 minutes of the match with just 10 men.

While the USMNT was able to overcome Balogun’s absence in this match, they now have a significant problem as they prepare for their next match.

USMNT Without Balogun Against Belgium

While the USMNT was able to hold on and get the victory without Balogun in this match, they’ll now be without him for the next match, too.

In addition to being sent off in this match, Balogun will now face a suspension in the next match, meaning the USMNT will be without its leading scorer against Belgium, which was already going to be its toughest match yet.

While the call was quite controversial, quickly sparking outrage from sports fans, it cannot be appealed or overturned, which means the USMNT needs to start preparing to play without him on Monday.

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