FIFA World Cup 2026: USA into last 16 as Balogun scores but then sees red

USA are into the World Cup last 16 after beating Bosnia 2-0 but will be without Folarin Balogun for their clash with Belgium after his red card.

Goals from Balogun and Malik Tillman were enough for the USA to progress.

The Santa Clara crowd was brought to life just before the break when Balogun struck home.

The match threatened to boil over on 62 minutes when Balogun was sent off for a heavy challenge which caught the ankle of Tarik Muharemovic.

Initially, there appeared little concern when Balogun challenged Muharemović in pursuit of a loose ball. Play continued before the VAR instructed the referee to take a second look.

The replays told a different story. Balogun’s challenge was certainly reckless. His studs raked down Muharemović’s calf before catching and turning the defender’s ankle in a challenge that always carried the risk of serious injury.

There had been no card shown by the on-field officials initially, but after reviewing the incident on the pitch-side monitor, the referee had little option but to produce a straight red.

The hosts proved up to the challenge defensively, though, with Bosnia ending the game on just 0.29 worth of expected goals.

The second goal came in the 80th minute, when Tillman’s free-kick attempt from just outside the box went up and over the wall and beat the outstretched hands of Bosnia keeper Nikola Vasilj.

Belgium now await in Seattle. (Skysports)