Balogun's controversial red card fails to derail USA as Tillman seals 2-0 win over Bosnia

Folarin Balogun was sent off in contentious circumstances during the United States’ 2-0 round-of-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, with a VAR review prompting Brazilian referee Raphael Claus to issue a straight red card in the 64th minute — a decision that drew immediate criticism from analysts but ultimately failed to derail the Americans.

Balogun was challenging Bosnia and Herzegovina centre-back Tarik Muharemovic when he appeared to accidentally catch the defender’s ankle as he fell. After consulting the pitchside monitor, Claus deemed the contact worthy of a dismissal — the 12th straight red card of this World Cup.

Former Premier League referee and Fox analyst Mark Clattenburg was unequivocal in his criticism. “I don’t believe it’s a good use of VAR,” he said. “When you watch it in real time, you don’t see the ankle twist — it’s just an accident, as Balogun puts his foot down, he catches underneath his opponent’s foot. This doesn’t meet, for me, the criteria of a red card.”

Clattenburg acknowledged the complexity of the call but maintained the punishment was disproportionate. “It lacks force and intensity to create that red card,” he added. “This is not consistent with what I’ve seen from the rest of the tournament.”

Despite the setback, the United States regrouped impressively. Midfielder Malik Tillman stepped up to bury a free kick from just outside the Bosnian 18-yard box, making it 2-0 and effectively ending the contest.

The red card means Balogun will be suspended for the USA’s next match, a significant blow given his form at the tournament. The Monaco forward had scored his third goal of the competition in the first half — he also had a goal ruled out for offside — and has been one of the standout players of the entire World Cup.

Born in New York and raised in London, the 23-year-old has scored 12 goals in 30 international appearances for the United States since his debut in 2023. His absence will test the depth of a squad that has otherwise looked increasingly assured as the tournament has progressed.