FIFA rescinds Balogun red card, clearing him for US World Cup match; Trump thanks governing body

Folarin Balogun, a key player for co-host United States in the 2026 World Cup, will be eligible to play in the Round of 16 match against Belgium. FIFA announced Sunday that it has suspended the red card suspension Balogun received in the previous round. The decision was met with approval from former President Donald Trump.

"Thank you to FIFA for doing the right thing and reversing a great injustice!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform shortly after FIFA's Disciplinary Committee announced the decision. Balogun, who leads Team USA with three goals in the tournament, was sent off Wednesday during the team's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 16.

The Monaco forward had scored the opening goal in the 45th minute of the match in Santa Clara, California. However, the game took an unexpected turn when Balogun received a direct red card in the 64th minute for stepping on the ankle of defender Tarik Muharemovic while competing for the ball. This unfortunate incident would have left Mauricio Pochettino's squad without their most inspired striker for their attempt to reach the quarterfinals, their best performance in the modern era of the World Cup.

Balogun's situation took another unexpected turn Sunday with FIFA's disciplinary report. The report confirmed Balogun would receive a one-match ban for his expulsion. However, this ban "is suspended for a probationary period of one year" under Article 27 of FIFA's Disciplinary Code. "If Folarin Balogun commits another offense of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension will be revoked and the sanction will be applied without prejudice to any additional sanctions imposed for the new offense," the statement added.