USMNT: FIFA makes decision on Folarin Balogun's controversial suspension

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

The United States Men’s National Team had some nerves in the downtime between their 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and their next match against Belgium in the Round of 16 on Monday night.

Striker Folarin Balogun was given a red card in the 64th minute of the second half after a VAR review by referee Rafael Claus. Balogun stepped on the ankle of Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemović.

The USMNT was unable to appeal the red card, which means Balogun will not be eligible to play against Belgium. However, FIFA had the chance to suspend Balogun for more than one match if they deemed the play to be egregious.

Per Doug McIntyre of Fox Sports, FIFA revealed that Balogun will only be suspended for Monday night’s match, meaning he would be eligible to play if the USMNT moves on to the quarterfinals to play the winner of the match between Spain and Portugal on Monday.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/usmnt-fifa-makes-decision-on-folarin-balogun-s-controversial-suspension/ar-AA27apC6

Well, that's mighty thoughtful of them /s

[underpants]

1. Gee how gracious of FIFA

Corrupt a holes.

[3catwoman3]

2. I could not help but wonder if there might have been some subtle bias...

...on the part of the Brazilian referee, given the harshness of the call. Possible hoping to eliminate of handicap a potential opponent in a future game?

The call was pretty widely criticized.

[Ponietz]

4. That Brazilian ref was accused of match fixing two years ago

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/soccer/ref-who-gave-folarin-balogun-a-red-card-was-previously-accused-of-match-fixing/ar-AA274nua

He’s probably not a fan of Jair Bolsonaro, either.

And the VAR officials were from Venezuela, Columbia and France.

That tells me everything I need to know.

[Ponietz]

3. Ricardo Pepi is a baller and Haji Wright just helped Coventry get to the Premier League

We’ll be alright.