Mark Cannizzaro Don’t let the politics of Folarin Balogun’s red card saga detract from what USMNT has accomplished By Mark Cannizzaro Published July 6, 2026, 5:25 p.m. ET Bosnia's Sead Kolasinac (5) talks to United States' Folarin Balogun, centre, after he was sent from the field as United States' Christian Pulisic (10) watches. AP Photo/Julio Cortez SEATTLE — Don’t hate.
The worst potential byproduct to come out of the FIFA ruling to reinstate U.S. men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun for Monday night’s World Cup Round of 16 showdown with Belgium at Seattle Stadium is hate for what is a highly likable U.S. roster of players and their colorful coach, Mauricio Pochettino.
Don’t hate the USMNT and U.S. Soccer for having the smarts and wherewithal to challenge that egregious red card issued to Balogun via a flawed VAR review in the win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Don’t hate Balogun, who acted in such an utterly classy way throughout the entire process that his behavior should be lifted up as the gold-standard example for every athlete who’s wronged by a poor call or a flawed process.
