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Folarin Balogun is available to play for the U.S. men’s national team in its World Cup round of 16 tie with Belgium on Monday, new reports state, despite being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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Balogun was due to serve a non-appealable one-match ban, per FIFA’s rules for the tournament, but The Athletic, citing information from protected sources, report that the 25-year-old will be able to take to the field as Mauricio Pochettino’s Stars and Stripes look to continue its historic run.
Article 27 of FIFA’s disciplinary code dictates that “the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”-a discretionary order that was actioned when Cristiano Ronaldo avoided a three-match ban after being shown a straight red card while playing for Portugal in a pre-World Cup friendly.
There has been no official confirmation on Balogun’s status from U.S. soccer or from FIFA officials, but the potential availability of the USMNT’s primary goal threat completely changes the dynamic of a game that will see the winner reach the quarterfinals and book a clash with either Portugal or Spain.
Balogun’s Reaction Suggests He Didn’t See This Coming
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Balogun cut a dejected figure when questioned about his red card-one that was widely condemned by fellow players, supporters and pundits alike, especially as Lionel Messi had avoided a similar sanction after he also accidentally stepped on the Achilles of an opponent while playing for Argentina.
USMNT legend and broadcaster Alexi Lalas said it had been an “absolute joke of a refereeing night,” and Balogun explained at the time that he didn’t believe the officials had applied logic or understanding when attempting to make their decision.
“If you’ve played the game, you would understand there are scenarios that you simply can’t avoid… it has to be taken into context when it’s being reviewed,” he said. “I felt it wasn’t on this occasion, but I think, as you all saw, if there’s nowhere else to put your leg, it’s going to be unavoidable.
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“I’ve seen many different opinions and takes, but for me personally, I think a yellow card would have been fair, and it’s something that’s happened, so we have to move forward, and I have to accept it.
“It’s been a roller coaster [48 hours had passed when Balogun spoke]. There’s been lots of different emotions. I’ve been upset. I’ve been happy. It’s been surreal, to be honest, but for me, it was important to stay calm. I never want to react out of anger or emotion.”
What Will Pochettino Do Now?
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Had Balogun not been available, Pochettino would have been looking to Ricardo Pepi or Haji Wright to fill in. Pepi played the deadrubber 3–2 defeat to Türkiye in the group stage and was largely anonymous, but came into the tournament after a hugely impressive season with PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands.
Wright also had a great season with Coventry City in England, securing promotion to the Premier League, but he’s seen just a minute of action this summer for Pochettino. It suggests he doesn’t fully align with the high-octane style of play the Argentine coach wants to implement-something Balogun is perfectly suited to and has flourished under.
If Balogun can play, he’ll absolutely be named in the starting lineup by Pochettino. That could prove to be the difference against Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle, potentially making the USMNT the favorites to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in 24 years.
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Read more Folarin Balogun eligible to play in World Cup round of 16 after red card is suspended
This story was originally published July 5, 2026 at 10:21 AM.