Balogun scores then gets sent off in World Cup upset record…
U.S. Men's National Team suffers goal and ejection disgrace in World Cup knockout stage... Balogun ruled out for Belgium match
U.S. Men's National Team forward Folarin Balogun scored the game-winning goal against Bosnia but was sent off immediately after. His absence for the Round of 16 clash with Belgium deals a serious blow to the team's attack. The rare and inglorious World Cup record now stands at four players.
S. Men's National Team forward Folarin Balogun scored the game-winning goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina on November 26 in the 2026 World Cup Group Stage matchday 3 (19th minute of the second half) but was immediately sent off for a dangerous tackle. According to FIFA's official records, Balogun became just the fourth player in World Cup history to score and be sent off in a knockout match.
The previous instances were Zinedine Zidane in the 1990 Italy World Cup, Ronaldinho in the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup, and Garrincha in the 1966 England World Cup. ' Video footage clearly showed the reckless nature of the challenge, with Balogun's feet leaving the ground and the focus being on the danger posed to the opponent rather than the ball. local time in Tokyo (Japan time).
advanced from the group stage with a 2-1-0 record, while Belgium topped the group with three straight wins. The Round of 16 matchup is expected to be a fierce battle, often referred to as the 'group of death' rematch. S.
Men's National Team head coach Gregg Berhalter addressed the media after the match, stating, 'Balogun's absence is a big loss. But we have to find a way to move forward as a team. S.
Men's National Team's tactical balance. Throughout the group stage, Balogun served not only as a lone striker but also as a player who stretched opposing defensive lines. His role will now need to be filled by Johnny Calvo and Tim Weah, both of whom possess high finishing ability but lack Balogun's combination of speed and physicality.
The Belgian defensive unit, consisting of Arthur Theate, Jan Vertonghen, and Leandro D'Ambrosio, presents a formidable challenge. attack will need to rely on precise coordination and rapid transitions after regaining possession. Furthermore, Balogun's ejection could impact team morale.
As the team's top scorer with three goals in the group stage, his absence may create subtle shifts in player confidence and tactical flow. ' Coach Berhalter's statement, 'We have to find a way to move forward as a team,' hints at the difficulty of maintaining team cohesion while exploring new tactical approaches. S.
Men's National Team address Balogun's absence? The burden will fall on forwards Johnny Calvo and Tim Weah, who scored two and one goals respectively in the group stage, as well as midfield creators Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic. Calvo brings speed and finishing ability, while Weah excels in hold-up play.
attack will be countering Belgium's solid defense and swift counterattacks. 6 in the FIFA rankings as of November 2026, boasts a potent attack led by Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Leandro Trossard. 's tactical flexibility but also reduces the psychological pressure they can exert on opponents.
Balogun's role extended beyond scoring; he was a player who could change the flow of the game. Against experienced teams like Belgium, the loss of this psychological advantage could prove critical. must view Balogun's absence not merely as a substitution issue but as an opportunity to restructure their entire tactical approach.
Belgium's tactical edge in the Round of 16 cannot be overlooked. With three consecutive wins in the group stage, Belgium's attack—featuring Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Leandro Trossard—remains in top form. defense.
will need to maximize their midfield organization and focus on counterattacking play. S. Men's National Team's chances.
will need to rely on their midfield organization and counterattacks. Coach Berhalter's statement, 'We have to find a way to move forward as a team,' underscores the challenge of maintaining team morale while exploring new tactical solutions. seeks to navigate this critical juncture. Read at Soccer King
Why this matters
Balogun's suspension for the Round of 16 is a significant setback for the U.S. Men's National Team. The absence of their top scorer, who netted three goals in the group stage, not only reduces their scoring threat but also removes a player who could draw defensive attention. Belgium, ranked No. 6 in the FIFA rankings as of November 2026, boasts a formidable attack led by Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Leandro Trossard. How the U.S. counters Belgium's solid defense and swift counterattacks without their primary attacking outlet could determine the outcome of the tournament. Balogun's absence has severely limited the U.S.'s tactical options in the World Cup.
Frequently asked
What play led to Balogun's ejection?
In the 19th minute of the second half, Balogun launched a head-first challenge into an opponent's legs during a duel. The referee deemed the challenge dangerous and issued a straight red card. Video footage showed Balogun's feet leaving the ground, with the focus on the danger posed to the opponent rather than the ball.
How long is Balogun suspended for?
According to FIFA regulations, a player sent off in a knockout match is suspended for the next game. Balogun will miss the Round of 16 match against Belgium.
What are the key storylines for the U.S. Men's National Team's Round of 16 match against Belgium?
Belgium topped their group with three straight wins, and their attack—featuring Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne, and Leandro Trossard—remains in top form. The U.S. will need to rely on their midfield organization and counterattacking play to counter Belgium's solid defense.
Who are the likely strikers to replace Balogun for the U.S. Men's National Team?
Johnny Calvo, who scored twice in the group stage, and Tim Weah, who scored once, are the leading candidates. Calvo brings speed and finishing ability, while Weah excels in hold-up play.
Which players have previously scored and been sent off in a World Cup knockout match?
The previous instances were Zinedine Zidane in the 1990 Italy World Cup, Ronaldinho in the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup, and Garrincha in the 1966 England World Cup. All three players' teams were eliminated in the tournament following their ejections.
How might the U.S. Men's National Team adjust tactically without Balogun?
Midfielders Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie may push forward more often, with Calvo and Weah forming a two-striker partnership. The U.S. may also look to exploit wide areas with crosses and set pieces to break down Belgium's defense.
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