Balogun scores then sees red as LeBron James salutes USA striker at World Cup

Folarin Balogun scored his third goal of the 2026 World Cup to put the United States ahead against Bosnia & Herzegovina in San Francisco, only to be dismissed following a VAR review early in the second half, leaving the USA to see out their round-of-32 contest with ten men.

The 24-year-old former Arsenal striker thought he had opened the scoring in the 31st minute, slotting home with his left foot, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Balogun refused to let the setback linger, finding the net again just 14 minutes later to give the USA a legitimate lead.

Both goals were accompanied by the same celebration — LeBron James’ trademark “Silencer”, a distinctive sequence of stomping, chest-tapping and screaming that the NBA icon first made famous in 2013 after hitting a decisive three-pointer for the Miami Heat against the Boston Celtics.

James noticed. The four-time NBA champion took to X to acknowledge Balogun’s tribute, writing: “LFG!!!!!! THE [Silencer] HAS [landed] at the World Cup! Helluva goal there Young [king]! [salute]. GO [USA].”

The goodwill from James could not protect Balogun from the referee’s decision shortly after the interval. The striker was shown a red card following a challenge on Bosnia & Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic. The referee initially took no action before being directed to the pitchside monitor for a lengthy VAR check, ultimately producing the red card.

The dismissal means Balogun will serve a suspension and is now unavailable for the United States’ last-16 tie against Belgium.