WORLD CUP | Balogun to miss US Round of 16 vs Belgium after red card vs Bosnia

Folarin Balogun is set to miss the United States’ World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium after receiving a red card in the USMNT’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun was sent off in the 63rd minute for a foul on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarek Muharemovic after a VAR review by Juan Soto, with referee Raphael Claus issuing the red when replays showed Muharemovic’s ankle turned as Balogun stepped on him, according to Yahoo Sports. The report said FIFA rules call for an automatic one-match suspension for a player sent off by direct red card or a second yellow, and that the one-match ban is not subject to appeal. Balogun leads the USMNT with three goals in four games, and the report said coach Mauricio Pochettino could turn to Ricardo Pepi up front or use Christian Pulisic as a striker with Timothy Weah on the wing.