FIFA Overturns USMNT Star Player’s Red Card Ahead of Crucial Belgium Clash

Published: July 7, 2026

By Mallory Mattingly

The United States Men’s National Team was just about to play their second knockout match without their forward Folarin Balogun because of red card issued when the USA played Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Balogun scored the first goal in the 45th minute to put the USA up 1-0. But in the 64th minute Balogun was given a red card for landing on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle.

When Balogun received the red-card, he became instantly angry and acted in a manner that he was not proud of.

“It’s been a roller coaster. There’s been lots of different emotions,” Balogun told reporters before the weekend.

“I’ve been upset. I’ve been happy. 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,” he admitted, according to a post on Instagram. “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,” he added.

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Balogun didn’t agree with the red card when it was issued, especially since he and the opposing player were fighting for possession.

“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,” Balogun explained.

“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,” he said. “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,” he emphasized.

On Sunday night, FIFA declared the Bologun’s red card would be suspended.

“By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year,” FIFA said on Sunday night.

President Trump was pleased with FIFA’s decision to reverse the red card and said on his social media, “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”

Balogun was cleared to rejoin his teammates on the pitch just in time for their crucial matchup against Belgium.

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