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The United States received a major boost ahead of its FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium after FIFA suspended the one-match ban handed to Folarin Balogun.
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The 25-year-old striker had originally been sent off during the USMNT’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. Balogun was shown a straight red card after a challenge involving Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic, ruling him out of the next match pending disciplinary review.
However, FIFA later announced that the suspension would not be enforced immediately.
In a statement, the governing body said:
“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 also clarified the conditions attached to the decision.
“If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”
Donald Trump Reacts to FIFA’s Decision
The decision drew major attention in the United States, with several public figures voicing support for Balogun. Among them was U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had earlier argued that the red card should have been reviewed.
Read more With red card suspension removed, Folarin Balogun to play for U.S. vs. Belgium
“It was great. They got screwed with that red card.”
“There needs to be an appeal process for that. It’s probably too late for that,” he said.
Following FIFA’s announcement, President Donald Trump also reacted to the news on Truth Social, celebrating the reversal of the suspension and Balogun’s availability for the Belgium match.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote.
With the suspension now lifted, Balogun is eligible to feature for Mauricio Pochettino’s side as the USMNT looks to reach the World Cup quarterfinals.
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This story was originally published July 5, 2026 at 11:09 AM.