USMNT rally to huge World Cup win after Folarin Balogun sent off in &#8216;disgraceful&#8217; VAR decision

Jul 2, 2026 - 04:01

Folarin Balogun scored and then saw red as the US beat Bosnia and Herzegovina in a dramatic World Cup clash.

The striker, who has been one of the stars of the tournament so far, netted on the stroke of halftime to put his team in control of a tight Round of 32 game.

Folarin Balogun 20 of United States celebrates scoring during the first half against Bosnia And Herzegovina during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match — Balogun opened the scoring in a tight knockout game against Bosnia

Folarin Balogun 20 of United States walks off the field after being red carded during the second half against Bosnia And Herzegovina during a FIFA World Cup 2026 — But he was sent off in the second half after a tough VAR call

But Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute after catching Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic on the back of the ankle as he challenged for the ball.

Referee Raphael Claus didn’t initally give a free-kick, but after play stopped with both players injured, he was sent to the pitchside monitor.

The official was shown the incident in slow-motion, and the red was awarded.

Balogun was stunned by the decision, and appeared upset as he made his way off the field.

In his absence, the 10-man US team rallied, and Malik Tillman curled in a stunning late freekick to secure passage into the last 16.

Balogun, though, will be suspended for the game to come against Belgium, who also booked their spot in dramatic fashion.

While the slow motion replay made his challenge look horrendous, the red card sparked anger from fans and analysts alike.

Folarin Balogun VAR call slammed by fans

Some compared it to an incident involving Lionel Messi earlier in the tournament, in which he avoided red.

“Should be appealed after the game. Total bull****,” one fan wrote on X.

“Balogun gets a red but Messi doesn’t?” another asked.

Referee Raphael Claus shows Folarin Balogun 20 of the United States a red card for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic 4 of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 — The decision to send off Balogun was described as disgraceful

An image of the VAR replay that led to Balogun being sent off in the USMNT win — VAR replays made the challenge look dangerous

“How is that a red card? Disgraceful,” former Republic of Ireland international Kevin Kilbane added.

“What a BS call. That was clearly unintentional,” a fourth fan said.

Postgame, Fox pundit Thierry Henry urged World Cup officials to use ‘common sense’ when making calls of that nature, and suggested Balogun will be a big miss in the next round.

Despite his red, the US closed out their first World Cup knockout win since 2002.

“We had to dig deep for that one,” Christian Pulisic said at full-time.

“Didn’t deserve the red card, it’s unfortunate.

“It takes alot (to play with 10 men). It didn’t go exactly to plan, with the red card, but that shows exactly what team we are.

Malik Tillman 17 of United States celebrates scoring with teammates during the second half against Bosnia And Herzegovina during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1, 2026 — USMNT move on to face Belgium in the last 16

“We were able to do it.”

Wednesday’s victory against Bosnia also marks the first time the US has beaten European opposition under Pochettino.

He had been 0-6 since taking the job in 2024, overseeing two defeats against Turkey, as well as losses against Germany, Portugal, Belgium and Switzerland.

But beating Bosnia offers redemption for a coach who has the US dreaming of a stunning World Cup run, and he will have a chance to down another former foe in the next round, even if Balogun is suspended.

The US will face Belgium in Seattle on Monday, July 6.

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