Rubio claims USA soccer team was 'screwed' by Balogun red card
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 2, 2026, 8:43 PM
Last updated Jul 2, 2026
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized the red card against Folarin Balogun during the World Cup knockout match against Bosnia, declaring that the US team was 'screwed' by the decision. Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute after a VAR review, having scored the opener in the 2-0 victory. His suspension will prevent him from playing in the last-16 match against Belgium. Coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed regret over the incident and suggested there should be a process for appeal, though FIFA regulations state that the suspension cannot be contested. Balogun's absence is seen as a significant loss for the US team as they progress in the tournament.
- •Folarin Balogun sent off in the 64th minute against Bosnia.
- •USA won 2-0 but loses Balogun for the next match.
- •Rubio calls for an appeal against the red card.
- •Pochettino believes the decision was unfair.
- •FIFA spokesman confirms the suspension cannot be appealed.
- 4:32 AMYahoo Sports — Marco Rubio wants an appeal process at the World Cup after Folarin Balogun red card
- 8:43 PMYahoo Sports — Rubio says USA 'screwed' by World Cup red card
"US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday his country's World Cup team had been "screwed" and called for an appeal after star striker Folarin Balogun was sent off against Bosnia.Balogun -- who was born in New York but raised in England and now plays for French club Monaco -- has scored three times for the USA this World Cup and his loss will be a major blow. dk/des
"USA’s Secretary of State Marco Rubio is the latest to chime in on the Folarin Balogun red card decision and believes that there should be a way for the USMNT to appeal it. Balogun was shown a straight red card for a late challenge in USA’s win against Bosnia and Herzegovina, meaning he will miss the World Cup last 16 tie against Belgium.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 3, 2026, 4:32 AMMarco Rubio wants an appeal process at the World Cup after Folarin Balogun red card
USA’s Secretary of State Marco Rubio is the latest to chime in on the Folarin Balogun red card decision and believes that there should be a way for the USMNT to appeal it. Balogun was shown a straight red card for a late challenge in USA’s win against Bosnia and Herzegovina, meaning he will miss the World Cup last 16 tie against Belgium.
- Yahoo SportsJul 2, 2026, 8:43 PMRubio says USA 'screwed' by World Cup red card
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday his country's World Cup team had been "screwed" and called for an appeal after star striker Folarin Balogun was sent off against Bosnia.Balogun -- who was born in New York but raised in England and now plays for French club Monaco -- has scored three times for the USA this World Cup and his loss will be a major blow. dk/des
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