The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has criticised the red card shown to American forward, Folarin Balogun during the USA’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the decision as unfair and calling for a review process.

Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review that ruled he had stamped on the foot of Bosnian defender, Tarik Muharemović. The dismissal means the striker will miss the United States’ Round of 16 meeting with Belgium through automatic suspension.

Speaking briefly to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Rubio expressed frustration over the decision, saying the United States had been hard done by and suggesting there should be a mechanism to challenge such disciplinary rulings.

He said the team had been unfairly treated by the red card and questioned why there was no appeal process, while acknowledging that any attempt to overturn the decision would likely come too late.

Rubio declined to answer questions on foreign policy issues, including developments in Lebanon and Iran, telling reporters he was not there to discuss current affairs.

However, according to FIFA regulations, suspensions resulting from straight red cards in the tournament are automatic and cannot be appealed, a spokesperson for the world football governing body confirmed.

USA head coach Mauricio Pochettino also disputed the referee’s decision after the match, insisting Balogun should not have been dismissed. He said the incident warranted an appeal but admitted the coaching staff would have to adjust their plans if the suspension remained in place.

Balogun, who was born in New York, raised in England and plays club football for AS Monaco FC, has scored three goals for the United States at the tournament and is expected to be a significant absentee for the team’s next knockout fixture.

(Photo Credit: Anadolu Agency)