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| Folarin Balogun |
FIFA has cleared United States forward Folarin Balogun to play in Monday’s World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium after suspending the red card that followed his contentious dismissal against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun, who netted the match-winner in the USA’s Round of 32 victory, was shown a red card later in that game, which would normally carry an automatic one-match ban.
But FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee announced the suspension would be put on hold ahead of the Seattle knockout tie, allowing Balogun to take his place in the squad, according to Fox Sports on Sunday, June 5, 2026.
The move came even though the United States Soccer Federation had no formal appeal route under FIFA rules to contest the red card.
Reports say the incident was controversial because the Video Assistant Referee intervened and asked referee Raphael Claus to review the challenge on the pitch-side monitor, despite Balogun not having been booked earlier during play.
Reacting to the development, the U.S. Soccer Federation welcomed the decision.
“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow.
“Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans,” the federation said in a statement issued via Fox football analyst Stu Holden.
Balogun has been the United States’ leading scorer at the tournament with three goals.
FIFA’s decision is in line with Chapter 4, Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which states that a judicial body “may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”
The code further provides that if a player benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement of a similar nature during the probationary period, the suspension may be revoked and the original sanction enforced in addition to any new disciplinary measures.
Balogun’s availability is expected to boost the United States as it seeks a place in the quarter-finals against Belgium.
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