Yes, the United States was treated unfairly by the red card decision of Folarin Balogun

The USMNT has reached the round of 16 after winning its first World Cup knockout game since 2002. Either way, the 2026 tournament was a resounding success, for the United States as host, and for US soccer.

For the first time, maybe forever, the US Men’s National Team looks, at times, dominant. They control play and control management. They are chasing balls at the highest international level. It beat its opponents 8-1 as it started with 11 on the field. Malik Tillman’s free kick goal that sealed the 2-0 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina was world class.

And it can all be removed by unreasonable, incorrect operation.

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Folarin Balogun’s red card came following a series of inexcusable mistakes by the officials in the match. And players, coaches, and fans have noticed and pointed out what this ridiculous “process” has done to the legitimacy of FIFA’s governing body.

Biggest mistake of all? That the decision to go to VAR was made in the first place. Andy Davies, a referee who has worked in the Premier League and the Championship and has been a Select Group referee for over 12 seasons, published a brief analysis of the VAR process in the match on ESPN, saying that the review should never have happened.

“VAR made a recommendation to the referee based on the slow play and still, which is not in line with the VAR rules, as it should only be used for contact purposes in the event of red cards,” Davies wrote.

Davies explained that based on the rule book, the tackle itself always received a red card. But the review should never have happened, because it was only recommended based on slow play.

Importantly, too, other games like this have happened throughout the tournament, without reviews or red cards being given. The players know that too.

Folarin Balogun of the United States, right, stands after being shown a red card by referee Raphael Claus, of Brazil, as Weston McKennie (8) of the United States looks on during the round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

“Obviously the ref made the decision he made, but I think we’re doubtful,” USMNT star Weston McKennie said after the game. “I think we’ve had a lot of games like that throughout the tournament with some players not getting a card at all. It’s disappointing.”

The same game that stands out the most? One involving Argentine star Lionel Messi. Messi, in the first stages, followed the ball that was bent against Algeria, and caught Aissa Mandi with the sticks up. Algeria are awarded a free kick, but no card for Messi, and no review from VAR.

Algeria was so angry at the poor call that they filed a complaint with FIFA about the poor officiating.

There have been many other matches like this throughout the World Cup that have not been reviewed. And because FIFA is FIFA, there is no plan to appeal Balogun’s suspension for Monday’s huge Round of 16 match against Belgium.

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The referee on the field, Raphael Claus, has been investigated for match-fixing in Brazil, although there is no indication that he was involved in the case. But Klaus also saw nothing on the field, at full speed, to give a card at all, let alone a red. It was only after the VAR official incorrectly used slow-motion to recommend a second look, that Balogun was sent off.

USMNT fans are right to be outraged by this call. Not only have the rules been used improperly, according to a professional referee who has been in the elite for years, but games like this in this tournament are ignored. This is not only about Messi, but it is impossible not to see the double standard. VAR officials will never seek a red card review for the tournament’s most famous player. But they did that against Balogun and the USMNT.

Sead Kolasinac (5) of Bosnia talks with Folarin Balogun of the United States after Balogun’s ejection, as Christian Pulisic (10) looks on during the World Cup round of 32 match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (Julio Cortez/AP)

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The USMNT could go on to beat Belgium on Monday, even without their star striker. Or they may be finished without him. The former would not justify the referee’s decision-making and procedure. This will put a permanent stain on the 2026 World Cup and could damage the future of the game in the United States. Impossible is borderline impossible for the USMNT to win the tournament, with or without Balogun. But the loss, coming after such a ridiculous, and farcical process, and removing the chance of a big meeting with Spain or Portugal in the quarterfinals in Los Angeles, would not be forgiven.

But for FIFA, the inexcusable is just another day at the office.