Folarin Balogun He put the United States ahead in the 45th minute by taking advantage of a rebound inside the area, putting the host team on track for the round of 16.
However, the striker did not finish the game. At minute 64, Brazilian referee Raphael Claus was called by the VAR to review a challenge by Balogun on an opponent. After watching the replay on the monitor, he changed his initial decision and showed the direct red card because he considered that there was excessive force and risk to the opponent’s integrity.
The expulsion generated an intense debate on social networks, where numerous fans and analysts compared the action with a play starring Lionel Messi in the match between Argentina and Algeria. In that match, the Argentine captain was also flagged for a strong tackle, although he remained on the field, a decision that was questioned even by former international referees.
Comparisons were multiplied in X, where journalists and users debated the uniformity of refereeing criteria and the use of VAR in similar actions. While some defended Claus’s decision for conforming to the rules, others considered that both plays deserved the same disciplinary criteria.
Beyond the controversy, the United States maintained the advantage with one less player and sealed the match in the 82nd minute with a goal from Malik Tillman to secure the 2-0 victory and a place in the round of 16.
Who is Folarin Balogun?
Folarin Jolaoluwa Jerry Balogun was born on July 3, 2001 in New York. The forward, who also has English nationality, represents the United States national team and plays for AS Monaco in France.
Trained in Arsenal’s youth ranks, he also spent time at Middlesbrough, Hull City and Reims before establishing himself in Ligue 1. At 25 years old, he has become one of the USMNT’s main offensive references and one of the players called to lead the host team in the 2026 World Cup.
After his goal and subsequent expulsion against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balogun once again monopolized the spotlight, this time for a play that is already fueling one of the most talked-about refereeing debates of the tournament.