Pochettino criticizes red card decision for Balogun before World Cup clash
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 2, 2026, 4:19 AM
Last updated Jul 2, 2026
USA coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed strong disapproval of the red card given to striker Folarin Balogun in a knockout match against Bosnia on Wednesday. The decision, made after a VAR review, occurred in the 64th minute when Balogun, who had scored the opening goal, was deemed to have dangerously stamped on an opponent. This controversial ruling means Balogun will miss the last-16 World Cup game against Belgium. Pochettino stated that the incident was unintentional and should not have resulted in a red card. He mentioned the possibility of appealing the decision but acknowledged the challenges involved. Balogun has scored three goals in the World Cup, just two shy of the US record.
- •Pochettino argues Balogun's foul was unintentional.
- •Balogun will miss the match against Belgium.
- •He has scored three goals in the tournament so far.
- •USA won their previous match 2-0 against Bosnia.
- 9:30 AMYahoo Sports — Mauricio Pochettino issues Folarin Balogun verdict after controversial USMNT red card
- 5:00 AMYahoo Sports — Mauricio Pochettino gives firm stance on Folarin Balogun red card for USA at World Cup
- 4:19 AMYahoo Sports — Pochettino says Balogun foul 'never' a red card as suspension looms
"USA coach Mauricio Pochettino said Wednesday striker Folarin Balogun should "never" have received a red card after he was sent off against Bosnia following a VAR review, meaning he will miss his side's last-16 World Cup showdown with Belgium next week."For me, never is a red card," said Pochettino.
"The USMNT are into the World Cup round of 16, yet Mauricio Pochettino spent his night talking about a red card rather than a result. Folarin Balogun scored the goal that beat Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, then was sent off after the hour for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic.
"Balogun was sent-off in the second-half after a VAR referral, meaning he will miss the next game against Belgium
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 2, 2026, 9:30 AMMauricio Pochettino issues Folarin Balogun verdict after controversial USMNT red card
The USMNT are into the World Cup round of 16, yet Mauricio Pochettino spent his night talking about a red card rather than a result. Folarin Balogun scored the goal that beat Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, then was sent off after the hour for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic.
- Yahoo SportsJul 2, 2026, 5:00 AMMauricio Pochettino gives firm stance on Folarin Balogun red card for USA at World Cup
Balogun was sent-off in the second-half after a VAR referral, meaning he will miss the next game against Belgium
- Yahoo SportsJul 2, 2026, 4:19 AMPochettino says Balogun foul 'never' a red card as suspension looms
USA coach Mauricio Pochettino said Wednesday striker Folarin Balogun should "never" have received a red card after he was sent off against Bosnia following a VAR review, meaning he will miss his side's last-16 World Cup showdown with Belgium next week."For me, never is a red card," said Pochettino.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
LaLiga•Oct 13, 2026, 6:45 PMDumfries, Silva And Vinicius Jr. To Start | 4-2-3-1 Real Madrid Predicted Lineup Vs Roma
Champions League•Oct 13, 2026, 6:00 PMChampions League: Man United under pressure and Barcelona aims to end barren run
Soccer•Oct 13, 2026, 6:00 PMGametimeCT boys soccer power rankings, week 5 (Oct. 13): Three new teams join the Top 10
Soccer•Oct 13, 2026, 5:58 PMMen's college soccer rankings after Week 7: Updated United Soccer Coaches Poll
Soccer•Oct 13, 2026, 5:58 PM“New Platini” – Luis Enrique compares two summer signings with very different PSG careers so far
Soccer•Oct 13, 2026, 5:36 PMState of English football report: Regulator warns of 'financial disaster'