The day after the US supreme court upheld birthright citizenship, Folarin Balogun – a player who wouldn’t have even been on the pitch if not for the longstanding, constitutional law – pushed the United States through to the World Cup last 16. Just two days short of his 25th birthday, Balogun scored the opening goal in the US’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, his third of the tournament.

Then, about 20 minutes later, Balogun was sent off, given a straight red card for what appeared to be inadvertent contact with Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemović. It was a shocking turn of events for the Monaco forward, who was among the US’s best performers on Wednesday, as he has been for the entirety of the tournament.

The now-suspended Balogun will play no part in the US’s last-16 matchup against Belgium on Monday, leaving head coach Mauricio Pochettino to make perhaps the most consequential lineup decision of his tenure at the US helm: how to replace Balogun against an organized and experienced Belgian side.

The loss of Balogun put a pall on an otherwise celebratory day for the co-hosts, with the US winning their first knockout-stage game in 24 years. They did so against a Bosnia and Herzegovina team who never threatened, even with a man advantage, with midfielder Malik Tillman’s perfectly placed free-kick sealing the US victory late in the second half.

The now-suspended Balogun will play no part in the US’s last-16 matchup against Belgium on Monday, leaving head coach Mauricio Pochettino to make perhaps the most consequential lineup decision of his tenure at the US helm: how to replace Balogun against an organized and experienced Belgian side.

Balogun’s red came after he and Muharemović came together, challenging for a ball at the edge of the area. Balogun awkwardly planted his right foot on to Muharemović’s ankle and calf, certainly enough contact to warrant a red card. What was far less certain was whether there was intent. Referee Raphael Claus reviewed the challenge via VAR and deemed it violent conduct.

Balogun wandered off the pitch with his head down, eventually kicking a wall as he headed down the tunnel towards the changing room. A US Soccer spokesperson on Wednesday confirmed that Balogun’s suspension cannot be appealed. Per Fifa policy, Balogun was unavailable to the media following the red card.