“Presented as a still image by the video referee, the case for the prosecution is obvious. United States forward Folarin Balogun is stepping down, with force, seemingly over the right ankle of Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic. The opponent’s foot is also in a contorted shape, sliding slightly to his right, providing a squeamish image where the first instinct of the viewer is to wince and turn away. It does not take a wild, imaginative leap to hypothesize that this challenge could lead to serious injury, such is the manner of the tackler’s landing and the point of contact. This perception is only enhanced by Muharemovic, clearly in initial pain, beating the turf he lies on. …”
NYT/ATH (Video)
NYT/ATH: Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red card: Was decision right? Can it be overturned? (Video)
YouTube: United States vs Bosnia and Herzegovina Highlights 🌎🏆 2026 FIFA World Cup™ | Round of 32