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Folarin Balogun will sit out the upcoming clash against Belgium, but that doesn’t mean he will allow frustration to overshadow what his team is trying to achieve together.

SEATTLE — Even amid the disappointment and emotion, Folarin Balogun felt there was one final act he needed to complete.

Right after the final whistle, still in his U.S. Men’s National Team training kit, Balogun walked over to referee Raphael Claus, looked him straight in the eye, and extended his hand. There was no confrontation, no bitterness, no dramatic scene — just a simple handshake between two professionals after a match, despite Claus’ highly debated red-card decision that saw Balogun sent off in the second half.

Less than an hour earlier, that very decision had changed the course of Balogun’s World Cup. Up to that moment, he had been the standout performer for the USMNT, scoring yet another goal that day. But once the red card appeared, the narrative shifted. Now the U.S. will enter one of the most significant fixtures in its footballing history without their leading striker spearheading the attack.

The pain of that reality still lingers. Even two days later, Balogun admits the emotions haven’t fully faded. Still, he insists that disappointment cannot alter his character or his values.

“You can feel like something unfair has happened to you, but that’s not an excuse to be disrespectful or to not do the right thing,” he said, explaining his decision to shake the referee’s hand. “After every match, I try to greet everyone. This was no different. The most important thing for me is to set the right example for those watching.”

He added, “I’m aware that the World Cup may be the first time many Americans are tuning into football. It’s important to show them that regardless of what happens — good or bad — you must stay true to yourself.”

The team’s focus now turns to Belgium — and it does so without Balogun. FIFA confirmed on Friday that he will serve a one-match suspension following a review of the red card, which will not be extended further. Given the controversy surrounding the decision, that outcome was widely expected.

Following the 2-0 win, several USMNT players voiced their frustration. Many called the decision “unjust.” Christian Pulisic labelled it “bogus,” while Tyler Adams simply said, “Typical FIFA.”

Balogun, however, offered a more balanced perspective when assessing the incident. On the contested play, his boot landed on Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle, twisting it awkwardly. In real time, the challenge seemed harmless; in slow motion, it looked serious. Once Claus reviewed it in slow motion, the result felt inevitable — a red card.

“For me, fairness matters, even when I give my opinion,” Balogun said. “Anyone who’s played the game knows there are situations you just can’t avoid, and that context should matter when a decision is reviewed. I don’t think that happened this time. As you saw, there was nowhere else for my leg to go — it was unavoidable.”

He continued, “I’ve seen a lot of different takes, but personally, I think a yellow card would have been fair. Still, it’s done now, and we have to move forward, and I have to accept it.”

Balogun accepted the decision quickly, as did his teammates. Playing the rest of the match with ten men, the USMNT battled through, added a second goal, and secured victory. Now, they must prepare to face Belgium without their in-form striker.

Even before the red card, Balogun had been one of the central figures of the USMNT’s campaign. He had a goal ruled out for offside before scoring the opener, giving the U.S. a 1-0 lead — his third of the summer and fourth major contribution after assisting an own goal against Australia.

His celebration — LeBron James’ famous ‘Silencer’ move — went viral, drawing a social media response from the NBA legend himself. For a moment, Balogun wasn’t just a football star; he was a national talking point.

But in the second half, the conversation turned. The focus shifted from his brilliance to the controversy of his dismissal. Once known mainly among football fans, Balogun became the centre of debate across the country.

“It’s been a rollercoaster,” he admitted. “I’ve felt every emotion — happiness and disappointment. It’s been surreal, but I’ve tried to stay calm. I never want to react out of anger or emotion.”

Balogun’s absence will be deeply felt in the next match, yet he remains determined to contribute in other ways.

“Who replaces Balogun?” has been the question since the final whistle. Players and coaches have emphasised that this is a squad of 26, not a one-man team, and someone will step up.

By Friday, that message stayed consistent. “You have to be ready when your chance comes,” said Adams. “When you lose a player like Balo, things shift, but we’ve shown adaptability. Whether it’s Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright, or someone else, it’s an exciting opportunity for the next man up.”

Speaking to the media before training, Balogun said he was eager to return to the pitch to clear his mind. “I feel calm now,” he said. “Getting back to training helps me switch off from the situation — it’s just another day.”

Though he won’t play on Monday, he plans to help however he can. “Whatever my replacement needs,” he said. “I’m not someone who overwhelms others, but if anyone in the team needs advice or support, I’ll be there. The team always comes first, whether I’m on the pitch or not.”

Balogun will find a new way to contribute this week — and when the match begins, he’ll be watching closely. His influence remains vital to the USMNT’s journey. As Tim Ream said after the match, it’s now up to the rest of the squad to rise in his absence.

“I just want to support the boys and the team,” Balogun said. “I love seeing how much the country is behind us, so my role is to keep supporting everyone.”

Balogun hopes his story isn’t finished yet — that the U.S. continues progressing so he can return to the pitch before the summer ends. More than anything, he wants to set an example: that even when things seem unfair, players and teams can stay composed and do the right thing.

“There are still so many people we’re inspiring — young boys and girls watching us,” he said. “We must show them the right way to handle things, even when you feel something is unjust.”