The U.S. men’s national team has advanced to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, but it will have to play that game without one of its top stars.
The United States will play Belgium on Monday, July 6th, but the USMNT will be without Folarin Balogun after receiving a red card in the last-32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the 64th minute, Balogun went for the ball against Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic but stepped on his ankle, causing both players to fall to the ground. While both players were cautioned, the referee reviewed the play and decided that Balogun deserved a red card for his misconduct.
Balogun was sent off for a controversial decision that sparked much anger, but FIFA’s red card rules will also affect the next match against the United States.
Will Folarin Balogun miss Round of 16 vs. Belgium?
According to FIFA rules, Balogun will not be able to play in the Round of 16 match against Belgium.
FIFA rules state that if a player receives a red card, he is not only removed from the match, but must also automatically miss his team’s next match in any round. A disciplinary committee will review the situation and, if the offense is serious enough, could add further matches to the suspension or impose a fine. A team can only appeal if more games are added to the suspension.
What U.S. coaches and players said about Folarin Balogun’s red card
Balogun’s coach and teammates defended him, with many believing the act did not merit a red card.
“That was normal behavior in soccer,” USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino said. “It happened by accident and was never intentional.”
Tyler Adams was of the view that slower replay speeds “always look worse.” He added that the decision “seems very harsh.” Christian Pulisic said after the match that he and his teammates tried to encourage Balogun and let him know they were rooting for him against Belgium.
“It’s disappointing to see it now,” Pulisic said. “He was just trying to get his feet on the ground and he didn’t have his feet high. It’s really disappointing.”
Richards did not see the play unfold, but said he was not contacted much about the review until video assistance was provided at the time Balogun was given the red card.
“That’s the way it is,” Richards said.
World cup final tournament format
The World Cup becomes a one-shot tournament once the knockout stage begins. The remaining 32 teams will be placed into brackets, and the field will be split in half for each round of the tournament until a winner is determined.
The only exception is that the two semi-final losers will play in the third-place match prior to the World Cup final.
Which teams will advance to the World Cup Round of 16?
After three games, the teams in the round of 16 are: More teams will advance as games are played throughout the week.
- Canada
- Brazil
- paraguay
- Morocco
- Norway
- France
- Mexico
- england
- Belgium
- US
World Cup Round of 16 Pairings, Knockout Round Pairings, Schedule
round 16
- July 4th: Paraguay vs. France – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia – Buy Tickets
- July 4th: Canada vs Morocco – Houston – Buy Tickets
- July 5: Brazil vs. Norway – East Rutherford – Buy Tickets
- 5th July: Mexico vs England – Mexico City – Buy tickets
- July 6: Portugal/Croatia vs. Spain/Austria – Arlington – Buy Tickets
- July 6: USA vs. Belgium – Seattle – Buy tickets
- July 7: Argentina/Cape Verde vs. Australia/Egypt – Atlanta – Buy Tickets
- July 7: Switzerland/Algeria vs. Colombia/Ghana. – Vancouver – Shop Tickets
quarterfinals
- July 9: PAR/FRA vs. CAN/MRC – Foxboro
- July 10: POR/CRO/ESP/AUT vs. USA/BEL- Inglewood
- July 11: BRA/NOR vs. MEX/ENG – Miami
- July 11: ARG/CV/AUS/EGY vs. ARG/CV/AUS/EGY SWI/ALG/COL/GHA – Kansas City
Semi-final
- July 14: Foxboro/Inglewood Winner – Arlington
- July 15: Winner of Miami/Kansas City – Atlanta
final
- July 19th at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey
Nancy Armor contributed to this article.
