FIFA suspends Balogun's red card ban, clearing him to play for U.S. vs. Belgium

Folarin Balogun will play for the United States in their 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium after FIFA suspended his red card ban. The decision, announced Sunday, allows the U.S. forward to participate in the crucial game.

U.S. President Donald Trump celebrated the ruling, calling it a "great injustice" reversed. "Thank you to FIFA for doing the right thing and reversing a great injustice!" Trump posted on Truth Social.

However, the Belgian FA expressed surprise, stating the decision "directly contradicts the provisions of the Competition Regulations." They noted that FIFA's Disciplinary Code typically mandates a suspension for the next match following a red card, a precedent followed throughout the World Cup.

Balogun, the U.S. team's top scorer with three goals, received a direct red card in the 64th minute of the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina for stepping on an opponent's ankle. This action, initially expected to sideline him, has now been overturned by FIFA's disciplinary committee. The suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year, with the condition that Balogun must not commit similar offenses during this time, or the original ban will be reinstated.

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