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USA’s Folarin Balogun is at the center of controversy during the World Cup.
On Wednesday, Balogun was issued a red card after appearing to step on a Bosnia and Herzegovina player accidentally.
Was this worthy of a red card? 🟥 pic.twitter.com/WfrIxMRNMD
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 2, 2026
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? Didn’t feel like Balogun was out of control or anything, just looked like it kind of…
— Jason Kelce (@JasonKelce) July 2, 2026
Earlier in the tournament, soccer superstar Lionel Messi was involved in a similar play when he stepped on an Algerian opponent, but was not penalized.
if anyone else had committed that foul, they’d have been sent off with a red card.
The only reason Messi stayed on the pitch is because he’s Messi.
FIFA doesn’t penalize nor VAR pocketwatch goals of hype beast goy teams like France, Argentina, or Spain.pic.twitter.com/WsnbbugYso
— Brutal Truth Bombs (@FORTRESSMAXXING) June 28, 2026
Fox Sports commentator Alexi Lalas believes that there is a double standard when it comes to Messi and Balogun.
‘Sup. pic.twitter.com/dp4SSI4Mvb
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) July 2, 2026
Unfortunately for Balogun, his red card cannot be rescinded after the game and he will not be available to Team USA’s round of 16 game, according to FIFA’s rulebook.
“A World Cup red card cannot be downgraded or rescinded after a match. Under FIFA disciplinary regulations, all on-field decisions made by the referee are final, meaning the automatic one-match suspension triggered by a red card cannot be overturned.”
For those asking: "No, a World Cup red card cannot be downgraded or rescinded after a match. Under FIFA disciplinary regulations, all on-field decisions made by the referee are final, meaning the automatic one-match suspension triggered by a red card cannot be overturned."
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) July 2, 2026