Marco Rubio Blasts Referee After Folarin Balogun's Red Card as USA Reaches FIFA World Cup Round of 16

Marco Rubio Blasts Referee After Folarin Balogun's Red Card as USA Reaches FIFA World Cup Round of 16

The United States men's national soccer team secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina to book a place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16, but the celebration was overshadowed by the controversial red card shown to star striker Folarin Balogun.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the team's impressive performance but strongly criticized the referee's decision, describing the sending-off as unfair.

Rubio: "They Got Screwed"

Speaking after the match, Rubio congratulated the U.S. team on reaching the knockout stage but expressed frustration over the dismissal of Balogun.

«"It's great," Rubio said about the victory.»

However, his tone quickly changed when discussing the referee's decision.

«"They got screwed with that red card. There needs to be an appeal process for that. It's probably too late for that."»

His comments have fueled growing debate among football fans, analysts, and former players over whether the decision was excessively harsh.

Why Was Folarin Balogun Sent Off?

The controversial incident occurred in the 64th minute when Brazilian referee Raphael Claus reviewed a challenge involving Balogun and Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic using VAR.

Following the review, Claus upgraded the incident to a straight red card after determining that Balogun's boot landed on Muharemovic's ankle while both players were contesting the ball.

The dismissal carries an automatic one-match suspension, meaning Balogun will miss the United States' Round of 16 clash against Belgium on Monday in Seattle.

Massive Blow for Team USA

Balogun has been one of the standout performers for the United States during the tournament.

The 24-year-old striker has scored three goals, making him the team's leading scorer, including the opening goal in Wednesday night's victory.

His absence against Belgium represents a significant setback as the Americans prepare for one of their toughest matches of the competition.

Can the United States Appeal?

According to U.S. Soccer, FIFA regulations do not allow an appeal against the automatic one-match suspension resulting from a straight red card.

However, if FIFA's disciplinary committee decides to extend the suspension beyond one match, the federation intends to challenge that decision.

A U.S. Soccer spokesperson confirmed that any additional punishment would be appealed.

Football World Reacts

The decision has sparked widespread reaction across social media.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr criticized the call shortly after the match, posting on X:

«"Red card there is a total bunk."»

While many observers acknowledged that Balogun committed a foul, several argued that a yellow card would have been a more appropriate punishment.

U.S. captain Tyler Adams also questioned the severity of the decision.

«"I think it's a yellow card. I think when you slow everything down, it's always gonna look worse."»

USA Marches Into the Knockout Stage

Despite finishing the match with ten men, the United States held firm to secure a valuable 2-0 victory and advance to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.

Attention now turns to Monday's highly anticipated showdown against Belgium, where Team USA will attempt to continue its World Cup journey without its top scorer.

The controversy surrounding Balogun's dismissal is expected to remain one of the tournament's biggest talking points as fans continue debating whether VAR got the decision right.