Balogun Calls Red Card 'Harsh' After Scoring in US Win Over Bosnia
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| Balogun ready to support US from sidelines |
After scoring his third World Cup goal, Folarin Balogun was sent off vs Bosnia. He now shifts focus to backing the US against Belgium.
'Cheerleader' Folarin Balogun vows to lift USA spirits against Belgium...
US striker Folarin Balogun called his red card in the last-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina “harsh,” but said he’s now shifting focus to backing the team from the sidelines for the Belgium match.
The Monaco forward had an eventful night on Wednesday. He opened the scoring with his third goal of the World Cup to put the US ahead against Bosnia, before being sent off in the second half for landing on the ankle of defender Tarik Muharemovic.
US coach Mauricio Pochettino slammed the red card as harsh, saying it was just accidental contact. Balogun agreed, calling the challenge unavoidable.
It was a bittersweet night for Balogun. He called LeBron James reacting to his goal celebration “a surreal moment,” but said that excitement was quickly dulled by the reality of missing Monday’s Round of 16 game against Belgium through suspension.
“It’s been a rollercoaster with so many different emotions,” he told reporters before training on Friday. The session kicked off with Pochettino even getting baseball tips before throwing the ceremonial first pitch at the Seattle Mariners game later that day.
“I've been sad, I've been happy, it's been surreal to be honest,” Balogun said. “It's important for me to say, obviously, first and foremost, it was totally unintentional, which I'm sure a lot of people know. I don't think it was the correct call. I think a yellow card would have been fair.”
But Balogun said he’ll still have a role to play against Belgium, even if it’s not on the pitch.
Balogun, however, insists he can still help the team vs Belgium despite being suspended.
— Balogun (@balogun) June 19, 2026
Even though he can’t play, Balogun vowed to support the squad and do his part when the US face Belgium.
“Just to support the boys, support the team,” he said. “I love seeing how engaged the country is in our journey and what we're doing. I think my role is just to continue to support everybody, to keep morale high.”
The US team looked upbeat at training before heading to a nearby ballpark for some downtime. Defender Tim Ream even stood out with his hitting.
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