https://kiskadeewatch.com/sports/football/balogun-goes-from-hero-to-suspended-as-us-advance/

Football

Balogun goes from hero to suspended as US advance

By Staff Editor Thu, July 2 2026, 2:07 AM GMT-4

Folarin Balogun’s evening began with a goal and a celebration but it ended with the United States striker walking off after a red card that will keep him out of what would have been the biggest match of his international career.

Reuters reported that Balogun scored his third goal of the World Cup to give the U.S. a first-half lead in their 2-0 round-of-32 win over Bosnia yesterday, continuing his breakout tournament on home soil.

The forward marked the goal by mimicking LeBron James’ famous “Silencer” celebration, lifting his knees and pounding his ⁠chest before repeatedly pushing both arms downward in front of a raucous Santa Clara crowd.

James noticed.

“Helluva goal there Young King!” the NBA great wrote on social media during the match, giving Balogun’s moment an extra jolt of star power.

But Balogun’s night took a sharp turn after the break when he was shown a red card for planting his boot into the ankle of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic, Reuters said.

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