Folarin Balogun Scores and Receives Red Card in World Cup

Folarin Balogun, a striker for the US Men's National Team (USMNT), scored and received a red card in a World Cup game. The incident has sparked controversy, with USMNT coach

AuthorNavdeep Singh

PublishedJul 2, 2026, 7:04 AM

UpdatedJul 2, 2026, 7:04 AM

sports

Folarin Balogun Scores and Receives Red Card in World Cup

Folarin Balogun, a striker for the US Men's National Team (USMNT), scored and received a red card in a World Cup game. The incident has sparked controversy, with USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino criticizing the decision.

Folarin Balogun's Red Card

According to reports, Balogun scored a goal for the USMNT but was later sent off with a red card. The exact details of the incident are still unclear, but it is believed that Balogun's actions led to his dismissal.

"For me? Never a red card," Pochettino said, as quoted by The New York Times. "I think it was a yellow card, maximum."

Pochettino's comments highlight the controversy surrounding the incident. The USMNT coach believes that Balogun's actions did not warrant a red card. That a yellow card would have been sufficient.

What Folarin Balogun Means for the Matchup

The red card suspension has significant implications for the USMNT's upcoming match against Belgium in the World Cup round of 16. If Balogun is suspended, it has implications for the team's chances of advancing in the tournament.

Former FIFA Referee & FOX Sports Rules Analyst, Mark Clattenburg, has weighed in on the incident, providing his thoughts on the Balogun red card. According to Clattenburg, the decision to send off Balogun was correct.

"The referee made the right decision to send off Balogun," Clattenburg said, as reported by FOX Sports.

The USMNT will likely appeal the red card suspension, but it is unclear whether they will be successful. If Balogun is suspended, it could be a significant blow to the team's chances of advancing in the tournament.

The latest reporting keeps the focus on Balogun. Readers now have a clearer view of why this update matters.

That fuller context gives the story a clearer place in the current news cycle. It also helps readers follow the next confirmed development with less guesswork.