Celebs react to Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card
The U.S. men’s national team is set to play in the Round of 16 during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the team will be without its best player.
Folarin Balogun was shown a controversial red card early in the second half of Wednesday’s match against Bosnia Herzegovina.
There was an outcry from USMNT fans, including celebrities and athletes watching the knockout game, who disagreed with the call.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes chimed in on social media as well as NBA champion Dirk Nowitzki.
Former Eagles center Jason Kelce also weighed in on the red card, writing in a post on X: “Man, somebody help me. That foul looked incidental from Balogun, shouldn’t a Red Card be given if there is either intention to foul, or an action that is aggressive and unsafe in nature? Didn’t feel like Balogun was out of control or anything, just looked like it kind of happened.”
There were also several other reactions from athletes and sports analysts, once again reiterating the decision to give Balogun a red card was incorrect and perhaps unfair.
Who will US play in Round of 16?
The criticism of the referees’ decision is palpable as the Americans will face Belgium in the Round of 16 without Balogun. The red card is detrimental for the USMNT, whose newfound popularity has given fans a reason to believe the squad can have much success in the 2026 World Cup.
Thus far, that has proven to be the case.
Belgium will present a huge test for Team USA without its top player.
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