USA get major update on when Folarin Balogun will be available following controversial red card

USA now know when Folarin Balogun can play his next game in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The American received a very divisive red card during his side’s 2-0 victory in the Round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Folarin Balogun will be back for the USA if they make the quarter-final

In the 64th minute of USA’s last match, Folarin Balogun, who’d scored earlier in the game, received his marching orders from the referee. The decision was made after a video review showed that he’d stomped on Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle while making a challenge for the ball.

Due to the red card, the 25-year-old will not be able to play against Belgium in a match in which his presence on the pitch could make a huge difference.

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While speculation has arisen as to exactly how long the star will be banned for, we now have a clear answer, with a U.S. Soccer spokesperson telling The Athletic that FIFA has told them that the New Yorker will not have any games added to his punishment, and thus, will be available if his side is able to defeat Belgium and advance to the quarter-finals.

On Friday, Balogun told reporters: “It’s important for me to say, first and foremost, it was totally unintentional. The choice of the referee was his choice. I don’t think it was the correct choice. I think a yellow card would’ve been fair, due to it not being intentional.

“It’s something that happened; we have to move forward, and I have to accept it.”

At the World Cup, red cards have an automatic one-game ban. However, FIFA’s independent disciplinary committee has the ability to increase the length of the suspension.

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