Folarin Balogun admits to being “upset” during World Cup campaign
The USMNT striker will miss their upcoming game due to suspension.
Folarin Balogun has been the beacon of hope for the USA at the World Cup so far. With 3 goals, he has been their standout performer, working the front line in the press and putting the ball in the back of the net.
And he won’t play in the Round of 16 against Belgium.
Balogun was given a controversial straight red after trampling on the leg and ankle of Bosnia & Herzegovina’s Muharemovic. While the referee did not initially give the card, VAR called him to the screen where both slow-motion and still images were used, despite this not aligning with protocol.
Red cards at World Cups can not be appealed, meaning there is no possibility of the decision being overturned. It’s safe to say that the decision and the consequences have not gone down well with the growing number of US fans who are finally being swept up in World Cup fever.
Folarin Balogun received a RED card for this accidental challenge on a Bosnian defender.
— Banter FC (@TheFCBanter) July 2, 2026
He will now MISS the United States round of 16 match against Belgium if they hold on to win. pic.twitter.com/dt4v3qFGVg
“I’ve been upset; I’ve been happy”
Speaking to a gaggle of journalists on Friday, Balogun said that the USMNT’s World Cup progression has been “a roller coaster” with “a lot of different emotions.”
“I’ve been upset; I’ve been happy,” he admitted. “It’s been surreal, to be honest. But for me, I think it was just important to stay calm. I never want to react out of anger and out of emotion. There’s still lots of people we’re inspiring, little kids, boys and girls who are watching, and we have to show them the correct way to handle things even when you think it’s unjust.
“So I felt I did that. And as I said, I’m happy with the support, not just I’m receiving, but the team. And I think we’re all looking forward to seeing what we can do against Belgium.”
On the actual sending off, which was given after a long VAR check that has since caused controversy, he insinuated that the decision was made by people who don’t have knowledge of what playing is actually like: “if you played the game, you would understand there’s scenarios that you simply can’t avoid and it has to be taken into context when it’s being reviewed,” he said.
“I felt it wasn’t on this occasion, but I think as you all saw, there’s nowhere else to put your leg, it’s going to be unavoidable. So yeah, I’ve seen many different opinions and takes, but for me personally, I think a yellow card would have been fair and it’s something that’s happened so we have to move forward and I have to accept it. But the most important thing is just to focus on the bigger picture, which is Belgium.”
The USMNT take on Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16 at Lumen Field (known as Seattle Stadium for FIFA purposes) in Seattle on Monday 6 July at 8pm ET.
No red card.
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) July 2, 2026
No penalty.
No yellow card.
No foul.
No review.
FREE FOLARIN BALOGUN. pic.twitter.com/I2sJgROvNF
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