USA World Cup star receives red card in pivotal match

U.S. men’s national team star Folarin Balogun received a red card in the second half of their Round of 32 World Cup matchup against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday night.

Balogun was making a challenge on a ball when he stepped on an opposing player’s leg. When there was a pause in the action, referee Raphael Claus stopped the match to look at VAR to determine whether Balogun committed a foul worthy of a red card.

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United States’ Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

After a few minutes, Balogun was given a red card.

Social media erupted in fury over Balogun being sent off.

The U.S. men’s national team is down to 10 players for the rest of the match. If the U.S. holds their 1-0 lead, Balogun will have to miss the Round of 16 game.

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Balogun scored for the U.S. in the first half.

Bosnia and Herzegovina appeared to feel some kind of momentum from the red card as they increased the offensive pressure on the U.S. men’s national team.

Balogun started the game with a few shots on goal and had one taken away because he was ruled offside. He later buried one off a touch from Malik Tillman. He’s been one of the more exciting players for the U.S. in the tournament.

United States’ Folarin Balogun (20) and United States’ Christian Pulisic (10) stand by after Balogun received a red card during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026.  (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

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Tillman later scored on a free kick to make the match, 2-0.