Story · bbc + bluesky + hindustantimes + middleeasteye + websearch + wtae · 23 events
Folarin Balogun red card suspension: Can USMNT appeal or will striker ...
Folarin Balogun red card suspension: Can USMNT appeal or will striker ...
SANTA CLARA, Calif. –
The United States men's national team are on to the round of 16
, where they'll face Belgium in Seattle on July 6 at 8 p.m. ET after winning a knockout stage game at the World Cup for the first time in 24 years in a 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. But during that match, striker Folarin Balogun was given a red card for a rash challenge in the 64th minute, where he came down on the ankle of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic.
Speaking after the match, Mauricio Pochettino was clear that in his view this was "never a red card." A situation where Lionel Messi had a similar play and wasn't sent off also came up, and Pochettino was clear on his feelings about both.
"For me, both weren't red cards," Pochettino said. "It's not intentional; I can talk only for Balo. But for me, it's never a red card; for me, it's about intention, and the intention wasn't to damage the opponent. Your feet land, and the intention was never to damage the opponent... For me, it's never a red card."
The sentiment was shared by Pochettino's players, who believed the decision was unfair towards Balogun.
"I fee…
World Cup 2026: Fifa ‘crossed a red line’ after decision to overturn ban for US striker's red card
World Cup 2026: Fifa ‘crossed a red line’ after decision to overturn ban for US striker's red card
<article data-history-node-id="443675" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/trending/fifa-crossed-red-line-decision-allow-us-striker-play-despite-red-card-sparks-outrage" class="trending default clearfix">
<h2>
<a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/trending/fifa-crossed-red-line-decision-allow-us-striker-play-despite-red-card-sparks-outrage" rel="bookmark">
<span class="field field-title">World Cup 2026: Fifa ‘crossed a red line’ after decision to overturn ban for US striker's red card</span>
</a>
</h2>
<footer>
<div class="author">
Submitted by
<span class="field field-uid"><a title="View user profile." href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/users/hannah-smith-0" lang about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/users/hannah-smith-0" typeof="schema:Person" property="schema:name" datatype>Hannah. Smith</a></span>
on
<span class="field field-created"><time datetime="2026-07-06T13:25:33+01:00" title="6 July 2026 13:25 BST">Mon, 07/06/2026 - 13:25</time>
</span>
</div>
</footer>
<div class="content">
…
UEFA says decision by FIFA to let US forward play at World Cup is 'incomprehensible'
UEFA says decision by FIFA to let US forward play at World Cup is 'incomprehensible'
<p>European soccer body UEFA criticized FIFA for an "incomprehensible" decision to let U.S. forward Balogun play at the World Cup against Belgium despite a red card in his previous game.</p>
USMNT striker **Folarin Balogun** faces 4-game ban after red card in Costa Rica match; FIFA upholds decision amid World Cup pressure.
Fuente: CBS News
🔗
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/breaking-down-t...
USMNT striker **Folarin Balogun** faces 4-game ban after red card in Costa Rica match; FIFA upholds decision amid World Cup pressure.
Fuente: CBS News
🔗
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/breaking-down-the-red-card-controversy-surrounding-us-striker-folarin-balogun/
Why USMNT cannot appeal Folarin Balogun's controversial World
Why USMNT cannot appeal Folarin Balogun's controversial World
Follow us on Google Discover
The USMNT will be without star striker Folarin Balogun for their World Cup last 16 clash against Belgium.
The World Cup co-hosts booked their spot in the last 16 of the competition with a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco.
While Belgium are not to be overlooked, there’s little doubt that the USMNT will fancy their chances of making the next round and teeing up a first quarter-final in this tournament since 2002.
Still, Mauricio Pochettino’s task was made harder when
Balogun was given a red card during the USMNT’s win over Bosnia
.
Sadly for American soccer supporters, there is no chance of an appeal.
FIFA do not allow countries to appeal red cards
Unlike in some domestic competitions, FIFA do not have a mechanism that allows countries to appeal red cards in the
World Cup
.
That news was confirmed by Adam Crafton of The Athletic and it means there is absolutely no chance of
Balogun
playing against Belgium.
The Monaco forward opened the scoring for the
USMNT
against Bosnia, bagging his third goal of the tournament.
FIFA sources confirm there is no mechanism to appeal a World…
UEFA says decision by FIFA to let U.S. forward play at World Cup is ...
UEFA says decision by FIFA to let U.S. forward play at World Cup is ...
UEFA says decision by FIFA to let U.S. forward play at World Cup is 'incomprehensible'
An all-time controversy in the World Cup’s 96-year history was raging Monday ahead of the co-host United States facing Belgium with a quarterfinals place at stake.
Posted
7/6/2026, 1:40:42 PM
Related
World Cup
soccer
United States' Folarin Balogun (20) walks off the field after receiving a red card during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
By GRAHAM DUNBAR, AP Sports Writer
GENEVA (AP) — An all-time controversy in the World Cup’s 96-year history was raging Monday ahead of the co-host United States facing Belgium with a quarterfinals place at stake.
European soccer body UEFA criticized FIFA for an “incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision”
to let U.S forward
Folarin Balogun play despite getting a red card in his previous game — a shocking move made Sunday after pressure on the world soccer body's leader Gianni Infantino from
his close ally, U.S. President Donald Trump.
Other WRAL Top Stories
UE…
BREAKING: Per FIFA's regulations at the World Cup, the USMNT cannot appeal Flo Balogun's red card.
Red card but still playing? FIFA's rare move in Balogun case explained
Red card but still playing? FIFA's rare move in Balogun case explained
For decades, one World Cup rule has been almost impossible to misunderstand. Receive a red card, miss the next match.
The regulation has been one of football’s simplest disciplinary measures, applied automatically acrossFIFA World Cupsregardless of the importance of the match or the player involved.
That certainty has now been challenged. The decision to allow United States striker Folarin Balogun to play in the Round of 16 despite his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina has sparked questions about how FIFA’s disciplinary system actually works and whether the tournament’s long-standing suspension rules are as automatic as fans believed.
Here’s a breakdown of FIFA’s red-card rules and why Balogun’s case has become one of the biggest talking points of World Cup 2026.
Under FIFA’s disciplinary regulations, a player sent off during a World Cup match is automatically suspended for the team’s next game.
The suspension applies regardless of whether the dismissal is for:
-Serious foul play
-Violent conduct
-Denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity
-Two yellow cards in the same match
-Offensive or abusiv…
UEFA says decision by FIFA to let U.S. forward play at World Cup is ...
UEFA says decision by FIFA to let U.S. forward play at World Cup is ...
An all-time controversy in the World Cup’s 96-year history rages Monday ahead of the co-host United States facing Belgium with a quarterfinals place at stake
GENEVA --An all-time controversy in the World Cup’s 96-year history was raging Monday ahead of the co-host United States facing Belgium with a quarterfinals place at stake.
European soccer body UEFA criticized FIFA for an “incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision”to let U.S forwardFolarin Balogun play despite getting a red card in his previous game — a shocking move made Sunday after pressure on the world soccer body's leader Gianni Infantino fromhis close ally, U.S. President Donald Trump.
UEFA said in a statement FIFA “crossed a red line” with its decision not to enforceBalogun’s mandatory one-game banfor his foul tackle against Bosnia-Herzegovina last Wednesday.
FIFA’s ruling Sunday — to defer Balogun's ban for one year of probation — deviated from soccer’s traditional rule of law and drew stinging criticism globally including from former World Cup stars and coaches at this tournament.
“It’s a bad, bad, bad, bad, bad decision that will hurt the…
What to know about US soccer star Folarin Balogun's 1-game red card ...
What to know about US soccer star Folarin Balogun's 1-game red card ...
The U.S. men's national team secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 after a shutoutvictoryover Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday, but the Americans will take the pitch against Belgium without one of the team's key goal scorers, Folarin Balogun.
In the 64th minute of the match at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, the striker, who scored the first goal in the 45th minute, clashed with Bosnia's Tarik Muharemovic and was shown a red card for a play that was initially not called a foul.
The contact had prompted the video assistant referee (VAR) to recommend an on-field review and eventually Balogun was issued a red card for serious foul play and automatically suspended for one game.
FIFA confirmed to ABC News that the call by the referee on the field is final and not able to be overturned or appealed.
As the opponents made contact going for the ball, Balogun's cleat went down the leg of Bosnia's defender and onto his foot.
The VAR "believed Balogun was dangerous in his play and recommended the referee visit the pitchside monitor to review," ESPNreported.
The team then had to play with just 10 men follow…
Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red card: Was decision right? Can it be overturned? - The Athletic
Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red card: Was decision right? Can it be overturned? - The Athletic
USMNT Latest
The 24-year-old was shown a straight red card in the USMNT's round-of-32 game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.Reuters / Carlos Barria
Folarin Balogun was sent off in the only blot on an otherwise dream night for the United States in their round-of-32 game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The 24-year-old wasshown a straight red cardfor a foul on Tarik Muharemovic in the second half of Wednesday night’s game in Santa Clara, Calif.
Advertisement
He was visibly distressed at referee Raphael Claus’ decision and was comforted by his teammates as he left the field.
In his absence, the U.S. rallied against the adversity and added to the 1-0 leadBalogunhimself had given them earlier, with Malik Tillman’s late free kick sealing the victory and a place in the last 16.
The U.S. will now face Belgium in Seattle on Monday, July 6 —a game for which Balogun will be suspended.
Was this worthy of a red card? 🟥pic.twitter.com/WfrIxMRNMD
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports)July 2, 2026
RED CARD! 🔴
Goalscorer Folarin Balogun is sent off for the USA 😳pic.twitter.com/L37M1uiodE
— ITV Football (@itv…
UEFA says decision by FIFA to let U.S. forward play at World Cup is ...
UEFA says decision by FIFA to let U.S. forward play at World Cup is ...
By Canadian Press on July 6, 2026.
NYON, Switzerland (AP) — European soccer body UEFA criticized FIFA for an “incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision” to let United Statesforward Folarin Balogun playat the World Cup against Belgium on Monday despite a red card in his previous game.
UEFA said in a statement FIFA “crossed a red line” with its decision not to enforce Balogun’s mandatory one-game ban, after coming under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump
“Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not,” UEFA said, adding “the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined.”
The Associated Press
504 - 7th Street SouthLethbridge, AB T1J 3Z7
[P](403) 328-4411[F](403)328-4536
Red card system in disarray over Trump, Fifa and Balogun decision
Red card system in disarray over Trump, Fifa and Balogun decision
The decision to effectively overturn the red card shown to United States forward Folarin Balogun leaves many unanswered questions.
UEFA says FIFA 'crossed a red line' with Folarin Balogun red ... - ESPN
UEFA says FIFA 'crossed a red line' with Folarin Balogun red ... - ESPN
UEFA have strongly criticized FIFA's decision to suspend USMNT strikerFolarin Balogun's red card, thus allowing theUnited Statesstriker to be available for the World Cup round-of-16 match againstBelgium.
Balogun, who is the USMNT's leading scorer at the tournament with three goals, was shown a straight red card for a foul onBosnia-HerzegovinadefenderTarik Muharemovicduring their 2-0 win in the previous round.
FIFA said on Sundaythat Balogun's automatic one-match ban would be suspended for a year, citing a rule which allows punishments to be suspended, much to UEFA's incredulity.
"We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision," Europe's football governing body said in a statement posted on their website.
"Yesterday's decision to suspend for a probationary period of a year the implementation of the one-match automatic suspension following the red card issued to the player Folarin Balogun crossed a red line."
U.S. President Donald Trump posted a message on his social media platform -- Truth Social -- thanking FIFA "for doing what was right and reversing a grea…
Folarin Balogun red card, explained: What controversial call means for ...
Folarin Balogun red card, explained: What controversial call means for ...
Kyle Bonn
Imagn Images/Pedro Nunes
The United States felt they had a soft draw when they were matched up against Bosnia and Herzegovina to begin the2026 FIFA World Cupknockout stage.
However, the task became much more difficult just past the hour mark as Folarin Balogun was sent off after a pitch-side review by the referee.
With the USMNT leading 1-0 on a first-half goal from Balogun, the AS Monaco striker was given a straight red card that reduced Mauricio Pochettino's side to 10 men, forcing the World Cup co-hosts to protect their slim lead for half an hour in order to reach the Round of 16.
The Sporting News explains why Balogun was dismissed and what it means for the USMNT going forward in one of the most pivotal and game-changing referee decisions of the World Cup thus far.2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news|Full World Cup schedule|Buy World Cup tickets
Folarin Balogun was sent off in the 65th minute of the World Cup Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina for serious foul play.
During a 50/50 challenge for the ball, Balogun caught Tarik Muharemovic on the ankle as the two came down…
Under Article 66.4, FIFA World Cup rules, USMNT cannot appeal the automatic one-match suspension resulting from Folarin Balogun's straight red card, not subject to appeal.*
*additional sanctions may ...
Under Article 66.4, FIFA World Cup rules, USMNT cannot appeal the automatic one-match suspension resulting from Folarin Balogun's straight red card, not subject to appeal.*
*additional sanctions may be appealed—but not the initial one-match ban.
1/2
Can Folarin Balogun appeal his World Cup red card ... - FanSided
Can Folarin Balogun appeal his World Cup red card ... - FanSided
Share on Facebook
Share on X
Share on Reddit
Copy Article
Add us as a preferred source
Falarin Balogun | Jamie Squire/GettyImages
Key Points
Bullet point summary by AI
A USA striker received a controversial red card in the World Cup win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, sparking immediate debate about the referee's decision.
The player has the right to appeal to a governing body, but such cases rarely overturn judgments supported by video review.
His absence creates a clear challenge for the team ahead of their next match, with one forward emerging as the most likely replacement.
The USA advanced to the round of 16 of the
World Cup
with a victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but it came at a cost. The 2-0 win was marred by a second-half red card shown to striker Folarin Balogun. As a result, he will miss the next game against Belgium, at least.
The red card was controversial
in its harshness. Balogun did get the back of his opponent's ankle, but the worst of the contact was clearly accidental as the two players stumbled after the ball. The referee called a foul on the field but didn't produce a yellow card initially. It w…
Why Folarin Balogun red card ban was suspended by FIFA before USA vs ...
Why Folarin Balogun red card ban was suspended by FIFA before USA vs ...
Kyle Bonn
Getty Images
The United States were preparing to contest a tense Round of 16 match against Belgium at theWorld Cupon Monday without their in-form starting striker Folarin Balogun.
The 23-year-old leads the team with three goals at the 2026 FIFA tournament so far, but his controversial red card in the Round of 32 left him suspended for the ensuing match, with no recourse for U.S. Soccer to appeal against the decision.
Then, the federation received some stunning news the day before the match, as FIFA decided to effectively remove the suspension and allow Balogun to play in the game, with the chance to make USA World Cup history on the line.
The Sporting News explains how this decision came to be and why FIFA was allowed to do this.
MORE:Why did Folarin Balogun get a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Balogun was given a straight red card in the 64th minute of the USMNT's Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He was sent off for endangering the safety of an opponent as he came down on the ankle of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic who had reached for the ball a split-second ea…
Fifa invoked Article 27 to suspend Balogun's one-match ban: What is this rule?
Fifa invoked Article 27 to suspend Balogun's one-match ban: What is this rule?
Fifa's decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's automatic one-match ban after a red card has become one of the biggest controversies of the 2026 World Cup.
World Cup 2026: Fifa 'crossed a red line' after decision to overturn ...
World Cup 2026: Fifa 'crossed a red line' after decision to overturn ...
In a move that surprised many fans and football commentators alike,
Fifa
announced on Sunday that
USA
striker Folarin Balogun will be available to play in the upcoming game against Belgium, despite being sent off with a red card during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A red card comes with an automatic
one-match suspension
, meaning that players are banned from playing in their team’s next match. Fifa confirmed that the disciplinary action against Balogun has been suspended for a year, in an unprecedented move.
Commentators have accused the global football body of caving to political pressure after
reports
that US President Donald Trump made
personal phone calls
to Fifa, and several officials were involved in challenging the initial red card decision.
It is exceptionally rare for a player not to immediately serve their suspension, mostly because Fifa’s disciplinary code does not allow appeals against straight red cards. There has only been one other case in history where a player has not served a suspension, which occurred in 1962, during a time in which there was
no automatic ban
.
US involvement be…
Folarin Balogun Suspension Explained: Why USA Star Won't Play Against ...
Folarin Balogun Suspension Explained: Why USA Star Won't Play Against ...
Folarin Balogun played a significant role in taking the United States to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. He scored the opening goal for the team at the stroke of half-time before Malik Tillman doubled the lead and sealed a 2-0 win for his side against Bosnia and Herzegovina, setting up a blockbuster clash with Belgium. However, the US were also dealt a big blow during the game as Balogun was sent off the field after the forward caught Tarik Muharemovic on the back of the ankle.
According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB), a tackle or challenge that puts the safety of an opponent or uses excessive force or brutality must be sanctioned as serious foul play, thus resulting in a red card.
Will Folarin Balogun Play Against Belgium?
The red card to
Balogun
means that he won't be able to take the field against Belgium. According to
FIFA
rules, a player will be suspended from the team's subsequent match if he is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card.
According to Article 10.5 of FIFA’s regulations for the 2026 World Cup
“If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a d…
FIFA integrity questioned on Balogun - Sports Business Journal
FIFA integrity questioned on Balogun - Sports Business Journal
FIFA’s decision to
suspend USMNT F Folarin Balogun’s red card ban
, making him eligible to play in Monday’s Round of 16 match against Belgium, “clearly raises questions over the integrity” of the World Cup, according to Nick Miller of THE ATHLETIC. The World Cup has been filled with celebrities, and this is the “case on the pitch too.” Balogun has been the USMNT’s “standout player of a finals that seem to have captured the American imagination like no other.” Balogun was the 12th player to receive a red card at this World Cup. All the others either served a suspension at the tournament or, because their team were eliminated, will do so in their next competitive game(s). It is “not that the decision has been deemed incorrect after a thorough process, it’s that the ban has been suspended without any real explanation.” Miller: “If any element of the U.S. administration has leant on FIFA, then does that constitute government interference? That’s enough to get national associations suspended” (
THE ATHLETIC, 7/6
). YAHOO SPORTS’ Dan Wolken wrote this decision is “probably not great for the credibility of the World Cup,” whi…
Can FIFA rescind a red card after it's given? Explaining appeal rules ...
Can FIFA rescind a red card after it's given? Explaining appeal rules ...
Kyle Bonn
Imagn Images/Phil Noble
The United States has advanced to the Round of 16 at the2026 FIFA World Cup, but it will have to prepare for its upcoming match against Belgium as if it will be without one of its best players.
Striker Folarin Balogun scored the first goal in the Americans' 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, but he was sent off with a straight red card midway through the first half, leaving the U.S. to play a man down the rest of the way.
While the Americans managed to escape with a victory, preserving the clean sheet along the way, they now face the prospect of taking on the 10th-ranked team in the world without their starting striker.
Fans were hoping that the red card decision could be overturned on appeal, which is a normal process in club football competitions such as the English Premier League or the UEFA Champions League.
The Sporting News explains how that process works and whether it's possible the USMNT will have Balogun available for the next match.
2026 WORLD CUP HQ:Latest World Cup news|Full World Cup schedule|Buy World Cup tickets
Every player shown…
Corroboration
No verdict, no pronouncement. The model extracts atomic factual claims with verbatim quotes; every quote is validated against the source text and corroboration is computed by counting how many editorially-opposed blocs assert each fact. 2 fabricated/unverifiable quotes were rejected by the cite-or-die gate.
The spine · 1 fact corroborated across ≥2 opposed blocs
3×cross-perspective · 2FIFA decided to effectively overturn the red card shown to United States forward Folarin Balogun.
indiamideast_indwestern
bbc“The decision to effectively overturn the red card shown to United States forward Folarin Balogun leaves many unanswered questions.”
hindustantimes“Fifa's decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's automatic one-match ban after a red card has become one of the biggest controversies of the 2026 World Cup.”
middleeasteye“World Cup 2026: Fifa ‘crossed a red line’ after decision to overturn ban for US striker's red card”
Contested · 2 — sources conflict; shown, not resolved
⚔ opposite actions regarding the red‑card sanction
A indiamideast_indwestern FIFA decided to effectively overturn the red card shown to United States forward Folarin Balogun.
B social FIFA upheld the decision to impose a four‑game ban on USMNT striker Folarin Balogun after his red card.
⚔ different ban lengths and status
A social Folarin Balogun faces a four‑game ban after a red card in a Costa Rica match.
B india FIFA invoked Article 27 to suspend Balogun's automatic one‑match ban after a red card.
Single-source · 6 — reported by one bloc only (uncorroborated)
FIFA upheld the decision to impose a four‑game ban on USMNT striker Folarin Balogun after his red card.
bluesky
Folarin Balogun faces a four‑game ban after a red card in a Costa Rica match.
bluesky
FIFA invoked Article 27 to suspend Balogun's automatic one‑match ban after a red card.
hindustantimes
Folarin Balogun was given a red card in the United States' match against Bosnia and Herzegovina for a rash challenge in the 64th minute, involving the ankle of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic.
cbssports.com
UEFA described FIFA's decision to let US forward Balogun play at the World Cup as incomprehensible.
wtae
Mauricio Pochettino said the red card given to Balogun was "never a red card".
cbssports.com
Framing · 2 — loaded language surfaced (spin shown, not adopted)
middleeasteye
“World Cup 2026: Fifa ‘crossed a red line’ after decision to overturn ban for US striker's red card”
→ crossed a red line
wtae
“UEFA says decision by FIFA to let US forward play at World Cup is 'incomprehensible'”
→ incomprehensible
Entities
Donald Trumpperson
United Statesplace
The U.S.place
FIFAorg
worldplace
USMNTorg
Balogunperson
Folarin Balogunperson
The Athleticorg
World Cupplace
UEFAorg
FanSidedorg
Flo Balogunperson
USA Starorg
US strikerperson