Folarin Balogun’s red card was a major problem for the United States on the pitch.
For thousands of pizza fans, it also came with an unexpected reward.
The U.S. striker was sent off in the second half of Wednesday’s 2-0 World Cup win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, a result that sent Mauricio Pochettino’s team into the Round of 16.
The dismissal also activated a pre-tournament Domino’s promotion promising $1 million worth of free “Emergency Pizzas” if any U.S. player received a red card.
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Red card brings a strange reward
According to ABC News, Balogun was shown a controversial red card in the 64th minute after a clash with a Bosnia and Herzegovina player.
The decision came after Balogun had already scored the opening goal before half-time.
Despite going down to 10 men, the United States held firm. Malik Tillman later added a second goal from a free kick, sealing the country’s first World Cup knockout victory in 24 years.
But the red card had consequences beyond the match itself.
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Domino’s promotion activated
According to Isabel Keane in The Independent, Domino’s had announced before the tournament that a red card for the U.S. team would trigger a giveaway of more than 60,000 free medium two-topping pizzas.
The campaign was built around the company’s “Emergency Pizzas” concept and was designed as a consolation prize for supporters if the U.S. suffered a major setback during the tournament.
“Soccer gurus know the worst thing to happen in a game is for a player on the team you’re rooting for to receive a red card,” Domino’s executive vice president Kate Trumbull said.
“If that happens to the American squad, Domino’s is here to help ease the pain by giving away Emergency Pizzas. It may not change the outcome of the match, but it can provide a delicious pick-me-up when it’s needed most.”
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Not everyone can claim one
The giveaway does not apply to every fan who watched the match.
According to Domino’s, customers had to register before June 10 at 11:59pm ET and be enrolled in Domino’s Rewards to qualify.
If selected, winners receive one medium two-topping pizza and must redeem it by August 2, 2026.
That means Balogun’s red card did not create a public free-for-all, but it did trigger the promised draw for eligible customers.
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Belgium next without Balogun
The sporting cost for the United States is more serious.
According to CBS Sports, Balogun will miss the Round of 16 match against Belgium because of the red card suspension.
That leaves Pochettino with an important attacking decision before Monday’s match in Seattle.
The U.S. survived the loss of Balogun against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Now they must try to do it again against a stronger opponent.
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For Domino’s, the red card meant a marketing promise had to be honoured.
For the United States, it means their World Cup continues without one of their most important forwards.
