US Men’s Soccer Team Faces Belgium Without Star Striker

The United States Men’s National Team is headed to a match against Belgium, carrying the momentum of their recent win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, they face a significant challenge as star striker Folarin Balogun will be suspended due to a controversial red card received during the second half of that victory.

This incident means Balogun will sit out the next match, but FIFA delivered a favorable decision by confirming his suspension will last only one game. Although there was little chance of an extended suspension, the confirmation was a relief for the U.S. team.

US striker Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card was one of the biggest moments of the team’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

No appeal mechanism is available to contest the suspension, so the best outcome was for Balogun to miss only one match. Balogun commented on Friday, following FIFA’s decision, saying, “It’s important for me to say, first and foremost, it was totally unintentional. The choice of the referee was his choice. I don’t think it was the correct choice. I think a yellow card would’ve been fair, due to it not being intentional.” He added, “It’s something that happened; we have to move forward, and I have to accept it.”

Balogun has been pivotal for the U.S. team, netting three goals in the tournament thus far. His absence on Monday against Belgium in Seattle poses a challenge, but should the U.S. secure a victory, they’ll have Balogun back for the quarterfinals.

Matthew Reigle is a writer for OutKick.