World Cup VAR review: Misapplied protocols leave Balogun wrongly red-carded

The introduction of the video assistant referee (VAR) has sparked substantial debate across football’s major competitions. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, it is crucial to examine how VAR is applied and whether its decisions are accurate.

This World Cup is set to be a pivotal event, and analyzing major incidents can shed light on the protocols and regulations that govern VAR’s role in the tournament.

Incident Overview: July 1

Referee: Raphael Claus
VAR: Juan Ernesto Soto Arévalo
Time of Incident: 63 minutes
Situation: Red card issued to USMNT forward Folarin Balogun for serious foul play.

During a match against Bosnia, Balogun was shown a red card after a VAR review deemed his challenge dangerous. The incident occurred following what appeared to be minor contact with Bosnia’s defender, Tarik Muharemovic.

VAR Decision: After reviewing the play, VAR recommended that Claus check the on-field monitors for a potential red card due to serious foul play.

Analysis: The VAR’s assessment focused on replays that showed Muharemovic’s ankle bending unnaturally due to contact from Balogun. However, the context of a standard football challenge suggests that Balogun’s actions were more accidental than malicious.

In this case, the VAR consultation relied on slow-motion replays, which is not fully compliant with VAR protocols, as these should primarily be used for direct point-of-contact evaluations. Once the referee viewed the footage, it was unlikely he would not issue a red card based on what was presented to him.

This situation highlights the complexities and potential misapplications of VAR protocols, emphasizing a need for continued evaluation as we head toward the FIFA World Cup 2026.