The USMNT will be without star striker Folarin Balogun for their World Cup last 16 clash against Belgium.
The World Cup co-hosts booked their spot in the last 16 of the competition with a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in San Francisco.
While Belgium are not to be overlooked, there’s little doubt that the USMNT will fancy their chances of making the next round and teeing up a first quarter-final in this tournament since 2002.
Still, Mauricio Pochettino’s task was made harder when Balogun was given a red card during the USMNT’s win over Bosnia.
Sadly for American soccer supporters, there is no chance of an appeal.
FIFA do not allow countries to appeal red cards
Unlike in some domestic competitions, FIFA do not have a mechanism that allows countries to appeal red cards in the World Cup.
That news was confirmed by Adam Crafton of The Athletic and it means there is absolutely no chance of Balogun playing against Belgium.
The Monaco forward opened the scoring for the USMNT against Bosnia, bagging his third goal of the tournament.
The mood inside the stadium was soured, however, when he was sent off just after the hour mark.
Balogun’s studs raked down the back of Tarik Muharemovic’s leg towards his ankle, though it did appear to be an accidental collision.
That did not matter to referee Raphael Claus, however, and Balogun was given his marching orders.
The decision has been criticized but it is final. The red card cannot be appealed, meaning the forward will miss the Belgium match.
A FIFA panel will review the incident and they can add further games to that suspension if they decide the foul warrants it. There is no suggestion that will happen here, but it is something to consider.
All being well for the USMNT, Balogun would be able to play in a quarter-final should they get there.
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