In the 61st minute, Balogun challenged for the ball, and his foot slid across the thigh before stepping on Tarik Muharemovic's ankle. Brazilian referee Raphael Claus did not initially blow the whistle, stopping the game only after both players remained on the ground in pain. The video assistant referee (VAR) subsequently intervened. Referee Claus reviewed the footage directly before returning to the field and issuing a direct red card to Balogun.

US striker Folarin Balogun (20) fouls Tarik Muharemovic (4) during the US vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina match in the World Cup 2026 round of 16, at San Francisco Bay Area in the US, on 1/7/2026. Photo: AP

The incident quickly ignited a firestorm of controversy, particularly when media outlets drew parallels to a similar unpunished foul by Argentine captain Lionel Messi. Messi had stepped on the calf of Aissa Mandi during Argentina's 3-0 victory over Algeria in their Group J opener on 16/6. On X, numerous accounts suggested Messi received preferential treatment. A post by @JacobsBen, which garnered 1 million views, featured images of both fouls with the caption: "Two similar plays, but Messi was not penalized."

Balogun's foul (left) and Messi's foul (right). Photo: Screenshot

The Telegraph noted that while both fouls were dangerous, neither appeared intentional. However, the newspaper criticized the inconsistent application of refereeing standards. "One rule for Messi, another rule for everyone else?", the British publication questioned.

Beyond the immediate comparison, the incident reignited a broader debate about the application of video assistant referee (VAR) technology. Critics argue that repeated slow-motion replays invariably make fouls appear much worse than when viewed live or at normal speed. "That is precisely the problem. We are analyzing a situation, but it yields two different results if we change the speed," a Telegraph article stated.

Former England women's national team striker Sue Smith echoed this sentiment while commenting on the BBC. She explained, "When you watch it back in slow motion, you immediately think red card. But I believe seeing it live, the decision felt too harsh. Balogun was simply attempting to challenge for the ball, using his body to shield it and planting his foot. Unfortunately, it struck the ankle."

Former Premier League referee Andy Davies, who officiated for 12 years, asserted that "this was not a red card offense" and described it as "an unfortunate outcome when two players challenge for the ball in a normal situation." Davies argued that VAR providing recommendations based on slow-motion and still images deviates from proper procedure. "Using these types of images should only serve the purpose of identifying the point of contact in a foul situation that warrants a red card," Davies told ESPN. "However, when it is displayed on the screen, I am not surprised that it would inevitably lead the referee to issue a red card."

Balogun became the fourth player in World Cup history to both score and receive a red card, joining Zinedine Zidane (France, 2006), Ronaldinho (Brazil, 2002), and Garrincha (Brazil, 1962). Earlier in the match, he had opened the scoring against Bosnia & Herzegovina in the 45th minute, seizing an opportunity in the penalty area. Despite playing with a man down, the US team held firm, even securing a 2-0 victory after Malik Tillman's direct free-kick in the 82nd minute. However, the US will be without their key striker, who has scored three goals in the tournament, for their round of 16 match against Belgium.

According to tournament regulations, a red card can only be appealed in cases of mistaken identity or if the player faces a multi-match suspension. Balogun will receive a minimum one-match ban. If the FIFA Disciplinary Committee reviews the incident and decides to impose an additional one or two-match ban, then the US could appeal that decision.

Compiled by Trung Thu