WASHINGTON, July 7. /TASS/. US national football team forward Folarin Balogun said the recent hype around his rescinded red card at the 2026 FIFA World Cup was challenging, but it doesn't diminish his performance at the world championship, Football Tweet web portal quoted the player as saying.
Balogun was slapped with a red card after he appeared to drive his cleat into the ankle of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemovic in their match during the Round of 32 at the world championship. The Royal Belgian Football Association has appealed FIFA’s decision to overturn Balogun’s red-card disqualification ahead of July 6 US-Belgium Last 16 match.
However, the Disciplinary Committee of FIFA rejected the appeal and Balogun appeared on the pitch for the match against Belgium at Seattle Stadium, where hosts USA eventually fell to the Belgians 4-1.
"I accepted the decision when I was given the red card. Then I also accepted the decision when I could play. There’s not much else I can really say on the matter. I just congratulated Belgium. Similar to when I was given the red card, you have to handle it the right way," Football Tweet cited Balogun as saying.
"Rudi Garcia said that he hopes this situation won’t overshadow the fantastic World Cup I’ve had. He just wanted to encourage me to be positive. To be proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish this tournament," he continued.
