A World Cup red card has delivered an unexpected reward for soccer fans. Folarin Balogun’s sending-off in the United States’ Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina activated Domino’s pre-tournament promise to give away $1 million worth of free “Emergency Pizzas.”
The dismissal did not derail the U.S. team’s campaign. After Balogun’s second-half red card, Malik Tillman scored from a free kick in the 82nd minute to seal the win and send the Americans into the Round of 16. The victory also marked the United States’ first World Cup knockout-stage win in 24 years.
Domino’s first unveiled the promotion in May, promising to give away more than 60,000 free medium “Emergency Pizzas” if any U.S. national team player received a red card during the tournament.
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“Domino’s is gearing up for soccer’s biggest games this summer, in more ways than one: with free Emergency Pizzas and exclusive merchandise! If any player from the U.S. team receives a red card in the soccer tournament, Domino’s is here to help soften the blow by giving away $1 million worth of Emergency Pizzas. In celebration of the upcoming matches, Domino’s has also launched a limited-edition line of cobranded merchandise from Saturdays Football, including jerseys, a cap and slides, which are now available at saturdaysfootball.com/dominos,” the company stated in a press release issued before the World Cup.
Before his sending-off, Balogun had been one of the standout performers for the U.S., scoring his third goal of the tournament. However, the striker could now miss one or more matches, depending on the disciplinary decision stemming from the challenge that resulted in the red card.
The giveaway was not a last-minute decision. Ahead of the FIFA World Cup, Domino’s announced that it would award $1 million worth of free “Emergency Pizzas” if any U.S. national team player received a red card during the tournament. The company said the promotion was meant to “soften the blow” for fans after one of soccer’s most costly disciplinary moments.
An “Emergency Pizza” is a Domino’s Rewards perk that lets eligible customers redeem a free medium two-topping pizza on a future order. Alongside the promotion, the pizza chain also introduced a limited-edition merchandise collection with football lifestyle brand Saturdays Football, featuring co-branded jerseys, a cap and slides timed to coincide with the World Cup.
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Domino’s announced it on May 18. The company stated: “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. 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.”
Who can claim the free pizzas?
The giveaway is not open to everyone. Fans had to register on the Domino’s website before June 10 at 11:59 p.m. ET and be enrolled in the Domino’s Rewards program to qualify.
Eligible participants selected to receive a free “Emergency Pizza” can redeem the offer through Sept. 2, 2026, according to the promotion’s terms.