World Cup VAR review: Misapplied protocols leave Balogun wrongly red-carded
Controversy erupts over a red card given to USMNT striker Folarin Balogun following reports of misapplied VAR protocols during the 2026 World Cup.
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📍 How it ended
Mauricio Pochettino criticized Folarin Balogun's red card, which ESPN reported resulted from misapplied VAR protocols. Despite reactions and questions regarding a potential appeal for the match against Belgium, the red card was not struck off.
Epilogue added 16d ago, after coverage quieted.
The brief
Folarin Balogun has been sent off during the World Cup, a decision that ESPN reports was the result of misapplied VAR protocols. The incident occurred following a match involving Bosnia-Herzegovina, where Balogun also scored a goal.
Coverage from The New York Times highlights coach Mauricio Pochettino's criticism, stating the incident was "never a red card." CBS Sports and The Guardian are focusing on the potential for an appeal and whether the suspension will be struck off, with the latter reporting that it will not. Attention now turns to whether the USMNT can successfully appeal the suspension or if Balogun will miss the round of 16 match against Belgium.
Synthesized by Archynetys from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 19d ago.
Quick answers
Why was Balogun red-carded?
According to ESPN, the red card was the result of misapplied VAR protocols.
What is Mauricio Pochettino's stance on the incident?
Pochettino criticized the sending off, stating it was "never a red card" according to The New York Times.
Will Balogun miss the next match?
CBS Sports reports that the USMNT may appeal, but The Guardian reports that the red card will not be struck off, potentially causing him to miss the round of 16 against Belgium.
Coverage (5)
- Folarin Balogun red card suspension: Can USMNT appeal or will striker miss World Cup round of 16 vs. Belgium? CBS Sports · 21d ago
- USMNT’s Mauricio Pochettino criticizes Folarin Balogun sending off: ‘Never a red card’ The New York Times · 21d ago
- 2026 World Cup: LeBron James reacts to Folarin Balogun's goal vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina, others erupt after his red card Yahoo Sports · 21d ago
- Will Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red card be struck off? No The Guardian · 21d ago
- World Cup VAR review: Misapplied protocols leave Balogun wrongly red-carded ESPN · 21d ago
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