Folarin Balogun's first reaction to suspicious red card: 'It was completely unintentional'

The USA National Team is preparing to enter one of the most important matches in World Cup history without one of the tournament's most influential players. Folarin Balogun will not be able to wear the jersey in the Round of 16 match against Belgium due to a red card he received after stepping on an opponent's foot in a space without the ball during a challenge in the previous match. This position was examined by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system and was classified as a 'serious' foul, causing Balogun to be sent off and forcing the team to compete with ten men. While the decision sparked a major controversy with the potential to negatively impact the USA's trajectory in the tournament, the first statement regarding the issue came from Balogun.

Appearing in front of journalists on Friday, Balogun recounted the situation from his perspective, stating that what happened was completely unintentional and that the referee's decision was incorrect. The star player argued that there was no bad intention in his movement on the field and that he did not have many options on where to place his foot in such a challenge, expressing that a yellow card would have been a fairer result. Balogun stated that while he respects the referee's decision, he believes it was not the right call, adding that he must accept what happened and move forward.

Balogun stated that he experienced emotional ups and downs during the process but always tried to remain calm, emphasizing the importance of acting with maturity rather than anger. The player noted that he particularly wants to teach children and youth watching him how to react correctly even when they face an unfair situation, saying that as a team, they are focused on the Belgium match and that the support motivates them. This mature attitude plays an important role in preventing morale deterioration within the team during this difficult process.

Despite the VAR review, which is one of the most controversial decision mechanisms in football history, the USA team has no right to appeal, and the result is considered final. The relevant articles of FIFA's 2026 World Cup regulations explicitly stipulate that appeals cannot be made against referees' decisions regarding facts on the field and that these decisions are final. Furthermore, the regulation states that players and officials who receive a direct or indirect red card will have their teams automatically suspended from the next match.

FIFA clarified that the controversial sanction is only for one match, confirming that Balogun can return to the fields and play if the USA eliminates Belgium and advances to the quarter-finals. If the USA wins the crucial match on Monday and continues in the tournament, the forward, who will have completed his suspension, can once again take on an important role in the team's success.