US men's national team striker Folarin Balogun was at the center of controversy during a important 2026 World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the United States' 2-0 Round of 16 victory, Balogun received a red card, resulting in an automatic one-game suspension. FIFA later overturned that ban after President Donald Trump personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The incident occurred in the second half of a match the US already led. The specifics of the foul leading to the dismissal are not detailed in reports, but the consequence was clear. Under tournament rules, a red card in the World Cup knockout stage carries a suspension for the next match. This meant Balogun would miss a potential quarterfinal, had the US advanced. His team, however, lost to Belgium in the next round. The high-level intervention changed the course of events. Trump's call to Infantino led to a review and the eventual lifting of the ban.
While the red card incident was memorable, Balogun was one of the US's most effective players at the tournament. With three goals, he was the team's top scorer in Qatar. His suspension, though short-lived, sparked widespread debate about political influence in sports. After the ban was rescinded, Balogun was available for the 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the Round of 16. He failed to score in that match, as the Belgian side proved superior and ended the American run. Balogun's overall contribution was significant, leading the line for a team that surpassed expectations by reaching the knockout stages.
Transfer news this summer also drew attention. Balogun's move from Monaco to Everton collapsed on the final day of the summer transfer window. "Balogun decided against the move close to the deadline." He had undergone a medical with Everton but ultimately had a change of heart. He will remain at Monaco, where he has scored 24 goals in 72 matches since joining in 2023. Last season in Ligue 1, he netted 13 times in 30 appearances. Before Monaco, Balogun came through the Arsenal academy but made only two first-team appearances for the London club between 2020 and 2023. He had productive loan spells at Middlesbrough and Reims.
Balogun has become a key figure for the US attack since his debut in 2023. In 31 appearances, he has tallied 12 goals, making him one of the side's most reliable finishers. His knack for being in the right place was proven on the world's biggest stage. While the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina was marred by controversy, the 2-0 result stood in favor of the US and secured their place in the last 16. For the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, the defeat marked the end of their 2026 World Cup journey. A squad featuring players like Edin Džeko and Miralem Pjanić could not replicate past successes. The current squad and fixture list can be followed on our squad and fixtures pages.
Balogun will now turn his focus to his club career with Monaco, while the US team prepares for qualifying for the next cycle of tournaments. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, the focus is on rebuilding after the World Cup, with their next official match being a friendly scheduled for October.
