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Folarin Balogun Scored and Was Sent Off: The Unusual World Cup Record He Set
Folarin Balogun went from hero to villain in a matter of minutes during the United States' Round of 32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Monaco striker gave the Americans the lead before later being sent off
Folarin Balogun went from hero to villain in a matter of minutes during the United States' Round of 32 clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Monaco striker gave the Americans the lead before later being sent off, becoming just the fourth player in World Cup history to score and receive a red card in the same knockout match.
Why Was Folarin Balogun Sent Off?
In the 64th minute, Balogun challenged for a loose ball and stepped on an opponent from behind.
Play initially continued, but after a VAR review, the referee upgraded the incident to a straight red card, leaving the United States with ten men during a crucial stage of the match.
Balogun Joins Zidane and Ronaldinho on a Rare List
According to MisterChip, Balogun is only the fourth player ever to score and be sent off in the same FIFA World Cup knockout match.
The list includes:
- 1962 – Garrincha vs Chile (Semifinal)
- 2002 – Ronaldinho vs England (Quarterfinal)
- 2006 – Zinedine Zidane vs Italy (Final)
- 2026 – Folarin Balogun vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (Round of 32)
Balogun now shares an unusual place in World Cup history alongside three legendary footballers, though it is undoubtedly a record he would have preferred not to set.
