SouthernWorldwide.com – Team USA is celebrating a significant victory, having defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to secure their spot in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, the triumph is tinged with disappointment as Folarin Balogun, who contributed his third World Cup goal to the win, will be absent from Monday night’s match in Seattle against Belgium. This comes after he received a red card in the 64th minute, a decision that has sparked considerable controversy.
The moment head referee Raphael Claus of Brazil brandished the red card to Balogun left the crowd at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium and millions of viewers at home in disbelief. Not only did the USMNT have to finish the game against Bosnia and Herzegovina a man down, but Balogun’s suspension means he will miss their next crucial match should they advance.
Following the game, former USMNT star Alexi Lalas did not mince words regarding the officiating during the match.
“An absolute joke of a refereeing night,” Lalas declared during the FOX Sports broadcast.
Lalas also shared a notable post on X that drew parallels to a situation involving Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi, a comparison many viewers made after witnessing Balogun’s red card.
In Balogun’s instance, the decision was made that his foot landing on the back of Tarik Muharemovic’s leg, resulting in a twisted ankle, warranted a red card. This was issued after a VAR review, despite both players actively contesting for possession of the ball.
There was no malicious intent on Balogun’s part; he was simply attempting to regain his footing after being bumped himself, and his foot inadvertently came down on Muharemovic’s leg.
Lalas immediately recalled Messi’s incident during Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria. Messi was seen digging his cleat into the calf of an Algerian player while trying to dispossess him.
Lalas posted a clip of the Messi incident on X with the succinct caption, “‘Sup,” clearly alluding to the perceived double standard. Messi faced no on-field or subsequent disciplinary action for an action that appeared more deliberate than Balogun’s, given Messi was looking down at his opponent’s leg before making contact.
Balogun, conversely, was not looking directly at the back of Muharemovic’s leg, though the severity of the rolled ankle indicated a potential for injury.
Regardless, the USMNT must now strategize for the match against Belgium without Balogun. Manager Mauricio Pochettino and his coaching staff will need to determine the best replacement for this vital role against their next challenging opponent.
This controversial red card is expected to be a major talking point in the days leading up to the next fixture, scheduled to take place at Seattle Stadium on July 6 at 8 p.m.
