USA march on but will Balogun red card prove costly?

The United States secured a deserved victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina, advancing to face Belgium in the next stage of the tournament. However, the win came at a cost as striker Folarin Balogun was sent off with a straight red card.

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We told him we have got his back. We are a team of 26, not just one. Ultimately we are going to miss him for the next game but we know whoever is going to step up is going to do a job just as well as he did.

Balogun, who had already scored three goals in the competition, broke the deadlock shortly before halftime. He had further chances to extend the lead but was ultimately dismissed in the second half following a challenge with Bosnia's Tarik Muharemovic. The incident, which appeared accidental as Balogun's boot landed on the opponent's ankle, was reviewed on the monitor, leading the referee to issue a red card.

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I think it'll keep us stronger. One man is down, the next guy steps up. We are a team, we are more than just one player, we are more than just 11 players.

This red card means Balogun will miss the upcoming match against Belgium due to an automatic one-game suspension. FIFA officials could extend this ban, potentially ruling him out of further knockout games should the US progress. Ricardo Pepi is the likely replacement, though he has yet to score in the tournament. Despite the setback, teammates like Chris Richards and coach Mauricio Pochettino emphasized the team's unity and readiness to step up in Balogun's absence, highlighting their collective strength.

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When Balogun received the red card, I thought that is the moment we need to show we are a team and the eyes of the players were [saying], 'Coach, we are ready to go and fight' and that is amazing.