​SEATTLE – Folarin Balogun is showing a surprising level of maturity and self-control at a moment that could have unleashed a flood of emotion. On his 25th birthday, the USMNT striker navigated a tough turn of events with composure after scoring his team-high third World Cup goal just before halftime in a tense Group stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, only to be sent off in the 64th minute following a VAR review that deemed the play a serious foul. Despite being down a man, the U.S. defended resolutely and extended its lead to win 2-0, earning advancement to the Round of 16.
Balogun will serve a one-game suspension in the 2026 World Cup, meaning the U.S. will be without him for the knockout-round clash against Belgium on Monday, July 6. Yet amid the frustration of the moment, he remained poised in the immediate aftermath at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium and in the days since, as the team traveled to Seattle and prepared for the next stage at the University of Washington. Demonstrating sportsmanship, Balogun even after disagreeing with the decision went and respectfully shook each referee’s hand following the U.S. victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“I never want to react out of anger and out of emotion,” Balogun said Friday at Husky Soccer Stadium. “There are still lots of people we’re inspiring—little kids, boys and girls—watching. We have to show them the correct way to handle things, even when you think it’s unjust. I felt I did that.”
Balogun has been influential in the U.S. run in Qatar, tallying three goals to tie Landon Donovan for the second-most goals by a USMNT player at a single World Cup. Of course, his absence will be felt against Belgium, a ninth-ranked foe, but the U.S. roster’s depth has been evident throughout the tournament, with most of the 26 players on the squad earning World Cup minutes. The team has defined itself by unity and grit, and it continues to respond to adversity with maturity rather than panic.
“We have guys that can fill in and will have to be ready for the opportunity to step up,” midfielder Tyler Adams said. “When you miss a player like Balo, things change a little bit, but we’ve been flexible. Guys have shown that they’re ready to play… it should be an exciting opportunity for whoever has to step up.”
In Balogun’s absence, the competition for the striker role could fall to Ricardo Pepi or Haji Wright, both of whom have seen minutes in the tournament and entered camp as prolific scorers for their clubs.