The United States men’s national team just got a massive reprieve on the eve of its World Cup round of 16 showdown against Belgium. Folarin Balogun, the striker whose red card threatened to upend the American attack, will be available after all.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee made the stunning announcement on Sunday, one day before the match, reversing the automatic one-game suspension that comes with a straight red. The decision means the U.S. can now field its first-choice lineup without scrambling for a last-minute replacement up front.
The controversy began in the round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, when Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute for stepping on the foot of defender Tarik Muharemovic. Under standard FIFA rules, that red card triggers a ban for the next match with no appeal process available. But the governing body stepped in, invoking a rarely used clause to suspend the suspension itself.
According to a FIFA statement, the implementation of Balogun’s match suspension is now on hold for a probationary period of one year. Should the forward commit another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during that time, the ban would be reinstated and any additional sanctions would apply.
The move mirrors a precedent set for Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who was allowed to play in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup after his three-match ban for an elbow thrown against Ireland in 2025 was similarly suspended.
FIFA declined to elaborate on the specific reasoning behind Balogun’s case when pressed by USA TODAY Sports. But the decision removes a major headache for U.S. coach, who now has his full arsenal ready for the high-stakes clash with Belgium.
