Balogun set to miss Belgium tie after FIFA rules out red-card appeal

Folarin Balogun will miss the United States' round-of-16 match against Belgium after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina triggered an automatic one-game suspension. FIFA confirmed to ESPN and ABC News that the U.S. cannot appeal the sending-off itself.

The unresolved question is whether the ban stays at one match. FIFA's disciplinary process allows additional punishment, and sources cited by ESPN said no decision has yet been made on whether Balogun's case will be reviewed for a longer suspension.

Balogun was dismissed in the 64th minute after a VAR check on his challenge involving Tarik Muharemovic, who needed extended treatment on the field. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino strongly disputed the decision, while U.S. Soccer has indicated it would contest any punishment beyond the automatic one-match ban.

The absence is a major sporting blow because Balogun is the United States' leading scorer at this World Cup with three goals. The team now faces Belgium in Seattle with a quarterfinal place at stake and with its attacking setup likely to come under close scrutiny.