US Soccer Condemns Racist Abuse After Defeat to Panama

The United States Soccer Federation condemned the online racist abuse directed at players Folarin Balogun, Timothy Weah, and Weston McKennie following their 2-1 defeat to Panama in the Copa America.

The United States Soccer Federation has condemned the online racist abuse directed at several of its players following a 2-1 defeat to Panama at the Copa America. Monaco striker Folarin Balogun and Juventus players Timothy Weah and Weston McKennie were the targets of this abuse after the hosts lost their Group C match in Atlanta.

The match took a contentious turn in the 18th minute when Weah, 24, was shown a straight red card for punching Panama’s Roderick Miller in an off-the-ball incident. Weah, a former Lille winger, later apologized to his teammates, attributing his actions to a “moment of frustration.”

Despite being down to ten men, the US took the lead at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a stunning strike from Balogun, marking his fifth goal in 14 appearances for the national team. However, their lead was short-lived as Panama equalized just four minutes later through a precise shot from Cesar Blackman.

Panama, ranked 43rd in the FIFA world rankings, continued to pressure the US defense, and their efforts paid off seven minutes from time when Jose Fajardo scored from close range, securing a 2-1 victory. Shortly before full-time, Panama was also reduced to ten men after Adalberto Carrasquilla received a red card for a reckless challenge on Christian Pulisic.

In response to the racist abuse, US Soccer issued a statement on X, asserting, “There is absolutely no place in the game for such hateful and discriminatory behavior. These actions are not only unacceptable but also contrary to the values of respect and inclusivity that we uphold as an organization.”

The US, who are co-hosting the men’s World Cup in 2026 with Canada and Mexico, are now level on points with Panama heading into their final group match against Uruguay on July 2. With a superior goal difference, the US needs to match Panama’s result against Bolivia to advance to the last 16.