Balogun's VAR red card rules him out of USA vs Belgium as FIFA ban appeal blocked

Folarin Balogun’s World Cup swung from high to low in the space of 45 minutes on Thursday, as the United States forward scored to put his side ahead against Bosnia and Herzegovina before being sent off before the hour mark in a VAR-driven decision that will keep him out of the last-16 tie with Belgium.

Balogun gave Mauricio Pochettino’s side a 1-0 lead just before halftime, but his night ended when referee Raphael Claus was directed to the pitchside monitor by the video assistant referee after a heavy challenge that caught Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle. Claus upgraded his initial decision to a red card. Malik Tillman then settled the match with a goal 10 minutes from time, sending the 10-man USA through to the round of 16.

The suspension means Balogun — the USMNT’s top scorer at this World Cup with three goals — will miss the July 6 last-16 match against Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. Under Article 9.6 of FIFA’s 2026 World Cup regulations, US Soccer has no avenue to challenge the decision: “No protests may be made about the referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with play. Such decisions are final and not subject to appeal, unless otherwise stipulated in the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”

Further sanctions remain possible. Article 10.5 of the same regulations states that a player sent off “will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match” and that “further sanctions may be imposed” by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee. Given the accidental nature of the challenge, an extension beyond one game appears unlikely.

Pochettino was unequivocal in his criticism of the decision after the final whistle. “Never was this a red card,” he said. “Watching it on TV, never was there intention to step on the player. That was a normal action in football. That happened by accident and it’s never intentional. That is why for me it was never a red card.”

The Argentinian coach acknowledged the complexity of the situation while remaining hopeful Balogun could return later in the tournament. “He’s also happy because we qualified,” Pochettino added. “He needs to understand that this type of situation happens. I hope that, for sure, he is going to be able to help us again. I hope that we go to the next round.”

With Balogun unavailable, Pochettino will need to reshuffle his attacking options for what promises to be a demanding knockout fixture against Belgium.