Folarin Balogun sent off after VAR review in World Cup match
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 2, 2026, 1:49 AM
Last updated Jul 2, 2026
Folarin Balogun received a red card during the USA's World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 2. After scoring the opening goal, Balogun was sent off in the second half following a VAR review that showcased his leg scraping the calf of an opponent. The referee initially did not award a foul, but the VAR prompted a reconsideration. This controversial decision led to discussions regarding consistency in officiating, especially in light of an earlier incident involving Lionel Messi. The USA must now compete with 10 players as they seek a place in the last-16 against Belgium in Seattle on July 3.
- •Balogun scored USA's opener before receiving a red card.
- •The red card was issued after a VAR review of a tangle with Muharemovic.
- •USA is down to 10 men for the remainder of the match.
- •The incident has drawn comparisons to Messi's challenge in a previous match.
- •The US will play Belgium on July 3, aiming for a last-16 spot.
- 1:49 AMYahoo Sports — One rule for Messi, another for Balogun? USA striker sees red in World Cup after controversial VAR call
"The USA’s star player at this World Cup, who scored his team’s opener against Bosnia, was sent-off in the second-half
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