US Secretary of State Marco Rubio used unusually blunt language to describe the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun’s red card as the United States moved on at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking at the White House, the senior diplomat said the US squad had been “screwed” by the sending off and urged that an appeal be possible.
Quick facts
- Rubio said the US team were “screwed” by Balogun’s red card.
- Balogun was dismissed during the US’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- The striker is expected to miss the last-16 match against Belgium.
- FIFA rules mean the suspension is automatic and cannot be appealed.
- Balogun’s red card came after a VAR check for a stamp on Tarik Muharemovic’s foot.
- USA coach Mauricio Pochettino said Balogun “never” should have been shown a red card.
Rubio weighed in a day after the incident, when Balogun was sent off in the US’s 2-0 victory. With the tournament entering its knockout phase, the forward’s suspension has set up an immediate selection problem ahead of the US last-16 fixture versus Belgium.
Asked how the co-hosts were progressing, Rubio replied: “It was great. They got screwed with that red card.” He then argued that a proper appeal route should exist, adding that it was “probably too late for that,” while he was leading a group on a tour and speaking briefly to reporters in the briefing room.
As the World Cup dominated the conversation, the US president’s diplomatic point man declined to engage on other pressing issues. When questions turned to Lebanon and Iran, Rubio said: “Guys I’m not here to talk about the news.”
FIFA rules rule out an appeal
Under FIFA regulations, Balogun receives an automatic suspension for the next match following his red card. A governing-body spokesman told journalists on Wednesday that the ban cannot be appealed, removing any chance of him returning immediately for the last-16 showdown.
The decision was made during Wednesday’s 2-0 knockout match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the 64th minute, after a VAR review, Balogun was judged to have stamped on the back of defender Tarik Muharemovic’s foot, leading to the red card.
US coach Mauricio Pochettino reacted strongly after the game, saying Balogun—who scored the opener in the match—“never” should have been sent off. Pochettino also suggested the club would want fairness in the process, saying it “should be fair” to appeal, while noting he would need to consider “different options” if that route is unavailable.
Balogun’s absence will be felt in a tournament where his goals have mattered. Born in New York and raised in England, he currently plays club football for Monaco, and he has scored three times for the United States at this World Cup.
