The United States’ landmark World Cup win on Wednesday night came with a major flashpoint, as star forward Folarin Balogun’s dismissal triggered an immediate backlash across social media.
Balogun, 24, was sent off during the USA’s 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina after his studs appeared to run down the leg of an opponent.
At first glance, the challenge looked relatively accidental, with Balogun — who had put the Americans ahead shortly before halftime — becoming caught up in a clash of legs with Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic.
But Brazilian referee Raphael Claus was sent to the pitchside monitor to review the moment and, after watching the slow-motion footage, ruled that Balogun had committed serious foul play, producing a straight red card just after the hour mark.
The striker appeared visibly shocked by the call and was comforted by teammates before making his way off the pitch, leaving the USA to navigate more than half an hour of a must-win match with 10 men.
The suspension means Balogun, the USA’s leading scorer at this World Cup, will be unavailable for the Round of 16 meeting with European powerhouse Belgium on July 6 — a significant setback for the host nation.
The Americans were only 1-0 up when Balogun was dismissed, but Malik Tilmann later eased the pressure with a free-kick that sealed a gritty 2-0 win, even if the controversy surrounding the red card overshadowed the celebrations.
Folarin Balogun was dismissed after his boot caught Tarik Muharemovic’s leg
The USA star – who has scored three goals at this World Cup – was distraught by the decision
Patrick and Brittany Mahomes led the public outcry on social media after the sending off
Brittany Mahomes, who was a soccer player at college, slammed the red card decision and led the furious backlash online, posting on Instagram: ‘That was some bulls***… All I have to say #USA.’
Her husband, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick, also took to social media to question the decision. ‘Man what……’, he wrote on his X account.
Jason Kelce, preparing for his brother Travis to get married on Friday to Taylor Swift, took time out from wedding planning to vent at the decision.
‘Man, somebody help me. That foul looked incidental from Balogun, shouldn’t a Red Card be given if there is either intention to foul, or an action that is aggressive and unsafe in nature?’ Kelce wrote.
‘Didn’t feel like Balogun was out of control or anything, just looked like it kind of happened.’
Another former NFL star, JJ Watt, was fuming at the decision.
‘Announcers should definitely be informing the audience that Balogun will miss next match, assuming we win tonight. Massive, massive implications there. Huge loss,’ he said, also posting about the decision: ‘You’ve gotta be kidding me….’
Meanwhile, ESPN host Pat McAfee shared a video on social media, as he declared his disbelief at the referee’s decision to send Balogun off.
‘You can’t get a red card for that. Balogun gets red carded?! He’s our goalscorer!’
Brittany Mahomes shared this X-rated message on social media in response to the red card
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A number of prominent names in the sports world piled onto social media to react to the call
The striker will now miss the USA’s Round of 16 game against Belgium on July 6
NFL legend JJ Watt was also quick to jump online and give his reaction. ‘What’s the phone number for the FIFA red card appeal hotline?’, he wrote on social media.
Meanwhile, on FOX’s post-game coverage, legendary soccer player Zlatan Ibrahimovic made sure not to understate how big a loss this could be for the team.
‘I believe it’s a big loss to be honest, he has been one of the best, if not the best player of the US team so far,’ the former Swedish international said on the broadcast.
Thankfully, the decision didn’t have major ramifications in the game itself. Though the USA were down to 10-men for 30 minutes, they held on to secure a historic win.
Not only did they hold on but, shortly after they doubled their advantage through Malik Tillman, who rifled a stunning free-kick into the back of the Bosnian net.
The victory – which was just the second World Cup knockout victory in the USA’s history – sparked jubilant scenes inside the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.
As has become routine at this World Cup, John Denver’s ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ immediately began blaring out, as the USA players and staff gathered in front of the thousands of fans packed inside the stadium and sang together in unison.
However, while the USA squad soaked up the atmosphere at the final whistle, head coach Pochettino will no doubt have had Balogun’s red card on his mind.
It means that the in-form striker will have to sit out of their tie against Belgium on July 6. Back-up striker Ricardo Pepi will likely take his place for the Round of 16 clash.
It was a brutal end to Balogun’s night – and potentially his World Cup – having been the hero for the national side earlier in the night, with his opening goal.
After scoring in the first-half, Balogun produced LeBron James’ ‘Silencer’ celebration – and the NBA legend made sure to make note of it online.
Taking to X, the 41-year-old wrote: ‘LFG!!!!!! THE [Silencer] HAS [landed] at the World Cup! Helluva goal there Young [king]!’.
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