The United States Men’s National Team made a statement in the Round of 32 on Wednesday, taking a comfortable 2-0 win.

A first-half goal from striker Folarin Balogun and a spectacular free kick goal from midfielder Malik Tillman secured the win for the host nation—but their result doesn’t tell the whole story. The win will feel slightly bittersweet, as the USMNT lost Balogun—their top goalscorer this tournament—to a red card in the second half.

Balogun flew into a tackle in the 64th minute, cleating Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemovic on the back of his leg before ultimately landing on his ankle. After a video review, the referee reached for his back pocket and sent the striker for an early shower. Balogun will miss the United States’ next game, which is a 2014 knockout stage rematch against Belgium in the Round of 16.

The accidental nature of the foul and perceived lack of severity raised questions of the validity of the decision across the internet, but the USMNT cannot appeal the red card to reduce the sentence.

“He’s very disappointed,” USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino said. “It was an action that wasn’t intention, he’s sad. … We cannot do anything to change this feeling. This is soccer, this is football. For sure he’s going to help us to perform and hopefully we can go to the next round so he can be available again.”

Balogun has played a major role in the United States’ games so far, scoring three goals in as many matches for the Stars and Stripes.

When Will the USA Play Belgium?

The USA has plenty of time to recover for their Round of 16 matchup, which takes place Monday, July 6. Belgium advanced to the Round of 16 after a stunning comeback win over AFCON Champions Senegal, who held a 2-0 lead through 85 minutes.

The last time the USMNT faced Belgium the World Cup came in 2014’s tournament, when the European powerhouse took a 2-1 victory. Julian Green scored the USMNT’s only goal in the match after they fell behind 2-0 in extra time. Tim Howard set a World Cup record in the match, recording 16 saves.

Belgium beat the US 5-2 in March, taking a comfortable win in an international friendly. The USMNT will hope to flip that result and reach their first World Cup quarter final since 2002—when a questionable refereeing decision cost them a shot at the semifinals.

The post Controversial Red Card Could Spell Disaster for USMNT appeared first on LA Sports Report.

Isn't it crazy that Trump doesn't want Americans like Folarin Balogun in America?

Thank goodness SCOTUS upheld birthright citizenship.#USMNT#USA 🇺🇸

— Matt (@nosoupforgeorge) July 2, 2026

Folarin Balogun wouldn’t even be playing for USA if it was up to Trump and his birthright citizenship views smh lol. Let’s go!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

— Mal (@jarrard_3) July 2, 2026

Don’t forget…Flo Balogun is playing for the USA thanks to birthright citizenship guaranteed by the Constitution.

— 👊Ryan King 🔥 (@RKING90210) July 2, 2026

Folarin Balogun, who is a US citizen because he was born here, scores a go-ahead goal for the US team in a knockout game. Score one for birthright citizenship.

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 2, 2026

Trump use your white and executive privilege to protect your number one birthright citizen folarin balogun

— emily (joao pedro’s left foot) (@propachelsemily) July 2, 2026

Red card for Folarin Balogun is just awful. 💔

I hate that Trump supporters will probably celebrate this, since they don't want Americans who are Americans by birthright citizenship to be American.

— Matt (@nosoupforgeorge) July 2, 2026

Wow Great. We are in round 16! Thanks to Balogun who is a birthright American. See below. Hmmmm , what do you think MAGATS? Something fishy has happened like birthright tourism? Should we cancel his citizenship or wait until the world cup is over? pic.twitter.com/05sp2uUQqv

— Vas kumar (@kumar_vas18713) July 2, 2026

A huge thank you to #20, Mr. @balogun, for choosing to play for the @USMNT. As a fan, we’re blessed to have you.

For the members of #MAGA who are out cheering and waving flags, donning the national team shirt, and celebrating the US’ success in this year’s World Cup, remember…

— Nicholas Waller (@N_A_Waller) July 2, 2026

Trump won't do it because Balogun is a birthright citizen. https://t.co/6UTpoHYTIi

— BearsFanSteven (@BearsFanSteven) July 2, 2026

Birthright citizenship allows Folarin Balogun to play for the US team. I wonder if the Trump supporters who just cheered knows that. #WorldCup#GoUSApic.twitter.com/uRjLZ3XiAQ

— Kevin Simmons (@TheSkorpion) July 2, 2026

Same ones crying about birthright citizenship screaming free Balogun the jokes write themselves

— Meek 🃏 (@JihLikeMike) July 2, 2026

Read the original on HuffPost

The biggest soccer match in the history of the United States is coming to Seattle.

The U.S. team beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 Wednesday in the round of 16 in Santa Clara, California, to advance to the World Cup’s round of 16 Monday at Lumen Field.

When it ended, a packed house inside Victory Hall and the Hatback Bar & Grill across the street from the Mariners’ T-Mobile Park and Lumen Field chanted: “We’re going to Seattle!”

10 men? No problem!

Victory Hall across from T-Mobile Park erupts, “USA!” chants as it goes to 2-0–and to the cusp of the round to 16 Monday here across the street at off-the-chain Lumen Field in Seattle.@thenewstribune@933KJRpic.twitter.com/jtQaRxJIte

— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) July 2, 2026

The Americans, who beat Australia in Seattle June 19 in the group stage in a wild scene many around U.S. Soccer called the best in its program’s history, will play Belgium Monday at 5 p.m. inside the home of the Seahawks and Sounders.

Belgium rallied from two goals down 85 minutes into their round-of-32 match earlier Wednesday in Seattle to defeat Senegal 3-2 in extra time. It was yet other sold-out, raucous World Cup match in the Pacific Northwest.

Monday at 1 p.m. for a spot on the World Cup quarterfinals, a place the United States has been only one other time, is going to be the biggest worldwide sporting event in Seattle history.

The U.S. played the last 30 minutes of their match against Bosnia-Herzegovina a man down. Dynamic scoring leader Folarin Balogun received a red card upon video-assisted replay review just after the 60 minute mark. That was for Balogun dragging his cleats down the back of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic‘s leg and onto his foot in the midfield.

It looked inadvertent. But the VAR review sent the Americans’ best creator and scorer off, anyway. Balogun couldn’t believe it when referee Raphael Claus showed him red and sent him off — not just for the final half hour Wednesday but for Monday and the U.S. chance for the round of 8.

That’s the one negative to the U.S. advancing to play for a place in the World Cup quarterfinals: Balogun will be suspended, not allowed to play in the match because of the red card.

He is the fifth U.S. men’s national team player to be disqualified by a red card in the World Cup. He’s the first since 2006.

Tottenham are facing major competition in their push to sign Folarin Balogun, with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea also showing interest in the Monaco striker.

According to journalist Santi Aouna, PSG are looking at centre-forward options and have placed Balogun on their internal shortlist.

The French champions are assessing possible replacements for Goncalo Ramos, and Balogun’s strong form for club and country has clearly caught their attention.

Tottenham appear to be one of the most serious clubs in the race.

Yahoo Sports reports that Spurs have made Balogun their primary centre-forward target, while Chelsea are also monitoring the United States international.

Balogun becomes key target for Tottenham

For Tottenham, an attacker is one of the priorities of the summer transfer window, even though so far most of their focus has been on signing a midfielder.

Spurs need a reliable striker who can bring pace, movement and direct goal threat to Roberto De Zerbi’s attack. Balogun fits that profile well.

The former Arsenal academy forward has rebuilt his career impressively since leaving north London for Monaco in 2023.

He has become sharper in the box, more confident in transition and more complete as a forward.

His World Cup performances for the United States have only raised his profile further, with The Sun reporting that Premier League clubs are now seriously watching his situation.

Tottenham’s challenge is clear. PSG can offer trophies and Champions League status, while Chelsea can also provide Premier League football and a big project.

Spurs must move decisively if Balogun really is their main striker target.

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USMNT striker could be a smart signing for Spurs

Balogun would be a very clever signing for Tottenham. He is not just a penalty-box striker; he can run channels, press defenders and attack space behind the back line.

That makes him a strong fit for De Zerbi’s style.

The Arsenal connection will obviously create headlines, but Spurs should ignore that noise.

What matters is whether he improves the team, and he absolutely could.

The key issue will be price. Monaco will not sell cheaply, especially after his World Cup impact.

But if Tottenham want a younger striker with Premier League experience, homegrown value and room to improve, Balogun should be high on their list.

PSG and Chelsea’s interest only proves that Spurs are looking in the right place.

De Zerbi edges closer to Man City and Arsenal target as Spurs plan to make a statement

The post Tottenham make World Cup attacker with Arsenal past their priority transfer target appeared first on CaughtOffside.