The United States men’s national team advanced to the round of 16 after defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
The USMNT team was reduced to 10 players, with American striker Folarin Balogun receiving a red card in the opening moments of the second half after VAR review.
Malik Tillman added another goal with a superb free kick after Balogun’s exit to close the match with a clean sheet.
USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino calls out referees during a post-match press conference.
He said: “Having watched it on TV it was never intended for a player to step on it, it’s a normal action in football that happens by chance.”
Pochettino revealed what Balogun later said in the locker room about the VAR decision as being “sad” and “disappointed”.
“It’s never intentional. It’s never a red card,” added the USMNT manager.
Pochettino’s remarks highlight growing frustration within the USMNT camp, as several key decisions went against the United States throughout the campaign.
Balogun has scored three times so far in this World Cup.
Will Balogun play in the round of 16 against Belgium?
As per FIFA rules, a player receiving a red card results in a one-match suspension which rules out Balogun from the round of 16 match against Belgium.
The AS Monaco striker became the fifth American to receive a red card at the World Cup.
Balogun also won the title by scoring a goal and appeared in a World Cup knockout match since French legend Zinedine Zidane was shown a red card for a header in the 2006 final.
