Folarin Balogun has been cleared by FIFA to feature for the United States in their Round of 16 showdown against Belgium at the 2026 World Cup.
The decision comes after world football’s governing body overturned the suspension that followed the striker’s controversial red card in the USA’s previous match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun had opened the scoring in the Round of 32 victory before he was later sent off, a development that initially triggered an automatic one match ban. That ruling, however, has now been put on hold, paving the way for the forward to return for Monday’s knockout clash in Seattle.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee reviewed the matter and decided to suspend the enforcement of the sanction. The suspension is expected to remain on hold for a probationary period of one year.
“In line with article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” FIFA said in a statement.
The ruling is particularly notable because the United States Soccer Federation reportedly had no formal route to challenge the red card under FIFA regulations. Even so, reports claimed that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had urged that the decision be overturned.
