United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has mounted a vigorous defence of striker Folarin Balogun, insisting the straight red card the forward received during their FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina was unjust.

Balogun was dismissed after a studs-up challenge on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic — a decision that went against him following a VAR review. Despite finishing the match with ten men, the United States held firm to win 2-0 and progress to the round of 16.

Pochettino's defence of Balogun

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Pochettino was unequivocal in his disagreement with the ruling. For the USA manager, the incident was nothing more than an accidental collision — not the kind of reckless act that warrants the harshest punishment in the game.