The Daily · Thursday, 2 July 2026
Balogun's Red Card Clouds USA's Advance as the World Cup Heats Up
The United States reached the World Cup last 16 on Thursday, but their celebration came with an immediate sting. Folarin Balogun scored his third goal of the tournament against Bosnia and Herzegovina before being dismissed for what appeared to be inadvertent contact with a defender — a moment that will define the USA's knockout preparations. Mauricio Pochettino's side beat Bosnia 2-0 and will face Belgium in the next round, but they will do so without their standout forward, who now serves an automatic suspension.
Elsewhere, Spain continued to look like genuine contenders, dismantling Austria 3-0 at SoFi Stadium with Lamine Yamal earning MVP honours. Colombia confirmed themselves as group winners, a remarkable turnaround from the side that was thrashed by France earlier in the year. Mo Salah's return to fitness ahead of Egypt's last-32 tie with Australia added further intrigue to the knockout draw, while Cape Verde's extraordinary run — a nation of 300,000 people now preparing to face Argentina — remained one of the tournament's most compelling subplots.
Off the pitch, England's progression to a last-16 clash with Mexico prompted an unusual governmental intervention, with Prime Minister Starmer exploring licensing workarounds to keep pubs open past 3am UK time for the match. In the transfer market, Enzo Fernández's agent confirmed the Chelsea midfielder is actively seeking an exit this summer, while Manchester City announced the signing of Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
The record
Balogun Scores and Then Gets Sent Off as USA Beat Bosnia 2-0
Folarin Balogun scored the opening goal and then received a straight red card as the United States beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 to reach the World Cup last 16. The Monaco striker, who has now scored three goals in the tournament, was ejected for what appeared to be inadvertent contact with a Bosnia defender around 20 minutes after his goal. USA advance to the World Cup knockout stage, with their tournament's top performer Balogun now facing a suspension for the next match.
USA reach World Cup last 16 but Balogun suspended after red card
The USA have qualified for the World Cup last 16, where they will face Belgium. Forward Folarin Balogun picked up a red card, ruling him out of that knockout tie. Mauricio Pochettino's side advance with a key player absent. Balogun's suspension leaves the USA without a key forward for a World Cup knockout match against Belgium.
Salah fit for Egypt's last-32 clash with Australia at World Cup
Mo Salah has returned to training and Egypt coach Hossam Hassan has confirmed he is fit to face Australia in their last-32 World Cup match in Dallas. Hassan stopped short of confirming whether Salah will start or come off the bench. Salah's availability transforms Egypt's attacking threat in a knockout tie where his absence would have significantly weakened their chances of progression.
Colombia Top World Cup Group After France Defeat Proved a Turning Point
Colombia have won their World Cup group and advanced to the knockout stage. The turnaround follows a heavy defeat to France earlier in the year, which appears to have served as a catalyst for the team's improved form heading into the last 16. Colombia enter the knockout stage as group winners, with momentum built on lessons from a painful loss to France.
Enzo Fernández Exploring Chelsea Exit This Summer, Agent Confirms
Enzo Fernández's agent has confirmed the Chelsea midfielder is exploring options to leave the club this summer. The confirmation from his representative makes this more than speculation, though no destination or fee has been disclosed.