Overview
- The United States beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 on Wednesday with Folarin Balogun opening the scoring and Malik Tillman adding a free kick in the 82nd minute.
- Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute after a VAR review and must sit out the next match under FIFA rules that prevent appeals of referee decisions about facts connected to play.
- Belgium reached the last 16 after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time win over Senegal that ended with Youri Tielemans converting a penalty in the 125th minute.
- England also advanced when Harry Kane scored two late goals to beat DR Congo, while the Netherlands' elimination prompted the KNVB to report racist online abuse and saw Ronald Koeman announce his departure.
- Refereeing and VAR decisions have become a central issue at the tournament because they are directly affecting suspensions, match outcomes, team selection, and public calls for clearer governance.