Balogun's VAR red card overshadows USA's 2-0 win over Bosnia to reach World Cup last 16

Folarin Balogun was controversially dismissed via VAR during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, a result that sends the USMNT into the World Cup round of 16 but leaves them facing their next match without one of their key forwards.

Balogun was not penalised in real time when he stepped on Bosnia and Herzegovina centre-back Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle while challenging for the ball, but a subsequent VAR review overturned the on-field decision and produced a straight red card in the 64th minute. The USA held on to win comfortably despite finishing the game with ten men.

The decision drew immediate and widespread reaction from across the sports world. Fox Sports soccer analyst Alexi Lalas questioned the consistency of the call, sharing an image of Lionel Messi making what he described as a comparable challenge earlier in the tournament — one that did not prompt a VAR review. Soccer broadcaster Ian Darke took a more measured view, suggesting the challenge merited a card but not a red.

The controversy extended well beyond football. NFL quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears both voiced their disagreement with the ruling, as did former defensive end JJ Watt and retired centre Jason Kelce. Basketball Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki and New York Knicks forward Josh Hart also joined the chorus of disbelief.

Not all of the attention on Balogun was negative. Earlier in the match he scored and celebrated with LeBron James’ iconic silencer gesture — a nod to the NBA’s all-time leading scorer — prompting James himself to respond with approval on social media.

Balogun’s suspension means he will be unavailable for the United States’ round-of-16 fixture, a significant blow to a side that relied heavily on his movement and finishing throughout the group stage.