WASHINGTON: Balogun’s red card criticism followed the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said forward Folarin Balogun had been treated unfairly by the dismissal.
Rubio made the remarks during a visit to the White House with his daughter, Amanda Loren Rubio.
He declined questions on Iran and Lebanon but responded to a reporter’s question about the United States national football team.
“They were treated unfairly because of that red card,” Rubio said. He added that he wished there were an appeals process, but said it was “probably too late now.”
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The Balogun received the red card during the match, leaving the United States to finish with 10 players.
The Americans still secured a 2-0 win and advanced to the Round of 16. Balogun faces a one-match suspension for the next knockout match against Belgium.
