Why USMNT cannot challenge Folarin Balogun's World Cup suspension following controversial red card against Bosnia?

Folarin Balogun is expected to miss out on the United States' upcoming 2026 World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium after being handed a red card in their 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday in Santa Clara, California.

In the 64th minute, Balogun was shown a red card in what looked like an unanticipated foul on Tarik Muharemovic. Referee Raphael Claus did not see the need for a card for the action until a VAR official instructed him to review it.

The replay showed that Muharemovic's ankle turned after Balogun made contact, leading to the red card and the US footballer being sent off.

Why United States cannot appeal against Balogun's red card?

While announcing the decision during the game, referee Claus revealed that Balogun had committed a 'serious foul' and would be sent off. The United States had to play with ten players and would not have a footballer in the next round.

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According to FIFA's regulations for the 2026 World Cup, "If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second yellow card), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed."

Also Read | Ten-man USA beat Bosnia 2-0 to reach World Cup last 16, end 24-year knockout drought

The Athletic also confirmed that the United States cannot appeal against Balogun's red card, unlike other global football tournaments. The FIFA official referred to Article 66.4, which states, "A sending-off automatically incurs suspension from the subsequent match. The FIFA judicial bodies may impose additional match suspensions and other disciplinary measures."

Pochettino breaks silence on controversial red card

US head coach Mauricio Pochettino opposed the red card decision, calling the incident a normal action which happened by accident.

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"For me, never is it a red card. It was a normal action in football that happened by accident. There was never any intention, and that is why, for me, it is never a red card," Pochettino said post-match.

Balogun would not be part of the US football team when they face Belgium in the 2026 World Cup round of 16 fixture on Tuesday, July 7, at Lumen Field in Seattle.