A controversy over officiating decisions has emerged following the United States' 2-0 World Cup victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, after forward Florian Balogun received a straight red card in an incident that drew comparisons with an earlier challenge involving Lionel Messi.
The debate has centered on claims of "unequal justice" after critics pointed to what they described as differing treatment of similar incidents, says NDTV.
In the 62nd minute, Balogun attempted to block a clearance by Bosnian defender Tarik Muharremovic and accidentally stepped on the back of Muharremovic's right ankle. Referee Rafael Klaus initially did not signal for a foul before video assistant referee (VAR) officials intervened.
Klaus subsequently reviewed the incident and issued a straight red card to the US forward.
Attention later turned to a separate incident earlier in the tournament involving Argentina captain Lionel Messi during a match against Algeria. In that match, Messi kicked defender Mandi in the back of the foot with the sole of his boot.
MISMA FALTA, DIFERENTE CASTIGO
Balogun recibió TARJETA ROJA directa, mientras que Lionel Messi se fue SIN CASTIGO por una entrada prácticamente igual 🇺🇸🇦🇷
¿Crees que se le perdonó la roja a Messi? 👇👀 pic.twitter.com/2mSSo8v5QB— 365Scores México🇲🇽 (@365scoresMX) July 2, 2026
Referee Simon Marciniak awarded a foul but did not show a card, and the incident was not reviewed further by VAR.
The differing outcomes prompted criticism from former players and analysts.
Former England defender Rio Ferdinand questioned what he described as a "different rule" being applied, arguing that Messi's challenge had not been properly investigated while Balogun's resulted in a dismissal.
Former England player Sue Smith said that while still images made the challenge appear like a "100% red card," viewing it at normal speed suggested the decision may have been too severe.
Former United States international Clint Dempsey said the US had been "punished too much" and argued that officials should be fully confident before making decisions that determine the outcome of major matches.
US coach Mauricio Pochettino said there had been no intention to step on the opponent and argued that neither Balogun's nor Messi's challenges warranted a red card.
Despite the win, the dismissal carries consequences for the United States as Balogun will be suspended for the team's Round of 16 match against Belgium.
FIFA World Cup 2026 / red card / Lionel Messi / Florian Balogun
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