According to The Athletic, Balogun's red card suspension will make him unavailable for the USMNT's Round of 16 match against Belgium.

In the USMNT's Group Stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balogun received a red card, the only blemish on an otherwise dominant performance for the USMNT.

After referee Raphael Claus made the call, Balogun was visibly disappointed and was consoled by his teammates as he left the field.

Following Balogun's dismissal, the USMNT remained resilient. Building on Balogun's earlier goal that put the team ahead 1-0, Malik Tillman scored a free-kick in the final minutes, securing the victory and advancing the team to the Round of 16.

The USMNT will next face Belgium on July 6 in Seattle, and Balogun will miss this match due to suspension.

What happened to Balogun against Bosnia and Herzegovina?

In the 61st minute, with the USMNT leading 1-0, Robinson passed the ball forward along the left touchline. Balogun stretched out his leg and attempted to adjust his body position. In doing so, he stepped on Muharemovic's calf, with his studs scraping the opponent's lower leg and landing on the defender's ankle.

The incident did not appear to be an intentional foul, but rather a mistimed landing. However, slow-motion replays revealed that the challenge was very forceful, with no doubt that Balogun made rough contact with the defender.

What are the red card rules for the FIFA World Cup?

Article 10.5 of the FIFA 2026 World Cup regulations states:

If a player or team official is sent off due to a direct red card or second yellow card, they will automatically be suspended for the team's next match. Additional penalties may also be imposed.

If the suspension cannot be served in the current tournament because the team has no further matches, Article 10.6 of the regulations states:

Any suspension that cannot be served during the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be carried over to the representative team's next official match in accordance with the relevant provisions of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

Why was Balogun shown a red card?

Brazilian referee Claus stated when announcing the decision that Balogun committed serious foul play and would therefore be sent off.

The Laws of the Game, formulated by the International Football Association Board, state that any tackle or challenge that endangers an opponent's safety or uses excessive force or brutality must be punished as serious foul play.

The rules also state that any player who, when challenging for the ball, lunges at an opponent from the front, side, or behind with one or both legs using excessive force or endangering the opponent's safety commits serious foul play.

Can a red card be appealed?

According to FIFA, teams cannot appeal red cards or the resulting suspensions.

When asked whether a red card could be appealed, a FIFA official referenced the relevant regulations, with Article 66.4 stating:

A player sent off will automatically be suspended for the next match. The FIFA judicial bodies can impose additional match suspensions and other disciplinary measures.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee also has the authority to extend any suspension.

In Balogun's case, he will miss the USMNT's Round of 16 match against Belgium. Should the USMNT advance further and FIFA choose to extend the suspension, he could miss additional matches.

Almiron was once suspended for one match for covering his mouth in a confrontation, and FIFA did not increase the penalty. However, Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo received an extended suspension of five matches for a tackle on Ismael Kone, a foul that resulted in a broken leg for the Canadian player.

Can Balogun attend the USMNT's next match?

According to FIFA rules, Balogun can attend the match at Lumen Field, but his activities will be restricted.

FIFA stated that suspended players may be allowed to sit in the stands, but not in areas close to the field of play.

Balogun also cannot enter the USMNT locker room, stadium tunnel, or team technical area before or during the match, cannot participate in warm-ups, and cannot sit on the team bench.

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