Balogun sent off in controversial VAR call as USA face Bosnia with 10 men

Folarin Balogun was controversially dismissed via VAR in USA’s 2026 World Cup group-stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, leaving his side to defend with 10 men for the final 25 minutes after the striker had earlier opened the scoring.

Balogun had given the United States the lead in the first half, but his afternoon unravelled midway through the second when Brazilian referee Raphael Claus was directed to the pitchside monitor following a tangle with Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic. Replays showed Balogun’s leg scraping down Muharemovic’s calf as the pair contested possession. Claus had not initially awarded even a free-kick, but after reviewing the footage in super slow-motion he produced a straight red card.

The decision immediately sparked debate among fans and pundits, with many drawing parallels to an incident earlier in the tournament involving Lionel Messi. Argentina’s captain was not shown any card for a challenge in their opening match against Algeria, a contrast that fuelled accusations of inconsistent officiating at the highest level.

Former England striker Sue Smith offered a nuanced view. “When it stops like that you think one hundred per cent red card, but I think when you watch it in real time it’s really harsh,” she said. “He’s clearly just looking to protect the ball, get his body around and he’s just planting his foot. It’s just unfortunate where he plants it.”

Balogun now faces a minimum one-match ban for serious foul play, with FIFA’s disciplinary committee holding the power to extend that suspension further. The United States have the option to appeal the decision.

The red card complicated USA’s push to secure a place in the last 16, with the side needing a result against Belgium in Seattle on Monday to advance.