The United States men’s national team earned a spot in the round of 16 after defeating Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 in a FIFA World Cup round of 32 match on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
The USMNT team after being reduced to 10 players, as American forward Folarin Balogun received a red card early in the second half following a VAR review.
Malik Tillman added another goal with a stunning free kick after Balogun came out to close out the game with a clean sheet.
USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino calls out the referees at a post-match press conference.
He said: “After watching it on television, it was never thought that a player would step on it, it is a normal action in football that happens by chance.”
Pochettino revealed what Balogun said afterwards in the locker room about the VAR decision as “sad” and “disappointed”.
“It’s never intentional. It’s never a red card,” the USMNT director added.
Pochettino’s comments highlight a growing frustration within the USMNT camp, as several key decisions went against the United States throughout the campaign.
Balogun has scored three goals in this World Cup so far.
Will Balogun play in the round of 16 match against Belgium?
Under FIFA rules, a player receiving a red card results in a one-game suspension which leaves Balogun out of the round of 16 match against Belgium.
The AS Monaco striker has become the fifth American to receive a red card at the World Cup.
Balogun also won the title by scoring a goal and started in one World Cup knockout match since French legend Zinedine Zidane received a red card for a headbutt in the 2006 final.
