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The U.S. men's national team will be missing star striker and top scorer Folarin Balogun for the round of 16 matchup against Belgium on Monday in Seattle, though he won't be absent for any additional matches.
On Friday, FIFA announced that the 24-year-old's red card would result in a one-match suspension only, rather than the extra games the governing body could have imposed had it considered the challenge to be particularly dangerous.
After netting the first goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balogun was dismissed in the 64th minute for a studs-up tackle that awkwardly connected with Tarik Muharemović's ankle. Although the incident was subjected to video review, it was ultimately ruled a red card, leaving the USMNT with 10 men — a disadvantage that proved inconsequential in the eventual 2–0 knockout-stage win.
Balogun, however, did not believe his challenge deserved such a punishment.
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"If you've played the game, you would understand there are situations you simply cannot avoid, and that context needs to be considered during the review," Balogun told reporters Friday. "I felt it wasn't on this occasion, but I think, as you all saw, if there's nowhere else to put your leg, it's going to be unavoidable.
"I've seen many different opinions and takes, but personally, I think a yellow card would have been more appropriate, and it's something that's happened, so we have to move on, and I have to accept it."
While the goal and red card placed him in rare company as the first player to score and be sent off since Zinedine Zidane in the 2006 World Cup final against Italy, it means the U.S. will be without their most dangerous attacker in this crucial fixture.
Balogun: 'There's Been Lots of Different Emotions'
Flo Balogun was destined to shine on the biggest stage. pic.twitter.com/vSwIE99sE0
Yet, the Monaco forward still has strong belief that the team can secure the result needed to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. Meanwhile, the broader significance of a USMNT World Cup run continues to make an impact.
"It's been a roller coaster," he said of the 48 hours following the red card and ahead of the high-stakes knockout clash in Seattle. "There's been lots of different emotions. I've been upset. I've been happy. It's been surreal, to be honest, but for me, it was important to stay calm."
"I never want to react out of anger or emotion. There are still so many people we're inspiring — young kids, boys and girls who are watching — and we have to show them the right way to handle things, even when you feel it's unjust. So I felt I did that, and as I said, I'm grateful for the support, not just what I'm receiving, but the team as a whole. I think we're all excited to see what we can do against Belgium."
Who Could Replace Balogun?
Without Balogun available, the USMNT faces a significant challenge in replacing his goal-scoring ability.
Ricardo Pepi, who struggled in the dead-rubber 3–2 defeat to Türkiye, is likely the primary option. While he doesn't offer the same elusive attacking threat and falls slightly short defensively, his 19 goals in 31 appearances for PSV Eindhoven demonstrate he has a clear eye for goal.
Another possibility, though less likely, is Coventry City's Haji Wright, who has featured for just one minute across the team's six matches this summer — including the two pre-tournament friendlies against Senegal and Germany — but managed 17 goals in 31 games in the English second division.
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Regardless of who steps into the role, they will only need to fill it for a single game and perform well enough for the USMNT to overcome the Red Devils, with the prospect of welcoming a refreshed Balogun back for a potential quarterfinal against Spain or Portugal.