The United States occupies a place in it fifa world cup The 2026 round of 16 saw a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the night ended with heartbreak for forward Folarin Balogun, who created an unpopular piece of World Cup history.Balogun became the fourth player in history to score and receive a red card in a men’s World Cup knockout round. The 24-year-old joins an exclusive list of Brazilian legends Garrincha (1962 semi-final), Ronaldinho (2002 quarter-final) and French icon Zinedine Zidane (who was infamously sacked in the 2006 final).Unpopular World Cup List:
- Folarin Balogun – 2026 Top 32
- Zidane – 2006 Final
- Ronaldinho – 2002 quarter-finals
- Garrincha – 1962 Semi-final
Goals, celebrations and heartbreak
Balogun looked destined to be a hero as he put the United States ahead before halftime. He had already seen a shot ruled out for offside before calmly firing home after Malik Tillman’s pass was cleverly deflected into his path.The forward celebrated with one of his signature “muffler” celebrations from NBA legend LeBron James, a moment that even prompted a reaction from James on social media.However, the game took a dramatic turn in the 64th minute.Balogun challenged Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic for the ball and accidentally stepped on his ankle. Brazilian referee Rafael Klaus initially allowed play to continue, but after a VAR review, upgraded the decision to a straight red card.
Team USA’s Folarin Balogun (20) reacts after scoring his team’s first goal. (AP Photo)
America furious over red card
This exit means Balogun will automatically miss the round of 16 match against Belgium.“Honestly, it’s unfortunate,” captain Christian Pulisic said after the game. “It seems too harsh for us to get this. He’s done a lot for us and now we have him back. If he has to miss the next game, then something like this would be ridiculous.”Head coach Mauricio Pochettino also strongly opposed the decision.“It was never intentional,” Pochettino said. “It was never a red card. Never. If the intention was to hurt the opponent, OK, I understand. But that’s not the case. You fight for the ball and then your feet hit the ground, that’s normal behavior in football.”Despite the setback, the U.S. held on with a 10-man squad until Tillman sealed the win with a stunning late free kick to ensure the U.S. advanced, while Balogun looked on from the sidelines. The striker’s suspension now leaves Mauricio Pochettino facing a major selection dilemma ahead of Monday’s last-16 clash with Belgium.
