Folarin Balogun to play in USA vs Belgium FIFA World Cup 2026 clash after ban suspended
(Courtesy : Getty)
The USA striker saw a red card in the last match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The USA received a huge boost before their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, on July 6. Top-scorer Folarin Balogun has been cleared to play in the important fixture after his one-match ban was suspended by the global football governing body.
The 25-year-old faced a one-match ban after seeing a straight red card in the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The striker was sent off for a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic during the second half of the match. The referee initially awarded only a foul, but then showed a red card following a VAR review.
Although the Stars and Stripes secured an easy 2-0 win and booked a place in the last-16, head coach Mauricio Pochettino would have been disappointed to see Balogun ruled out of the clash against Belgium.
The Monaco forward has scored three goals in the expanded 48-team edition in North America. He is the top scorer for his national team in the tournament, making him a key weapon for Pochettino’s side.
Also Read: Folarin Balogun: List of all goals in FIFA World Cup history
Folarin Balogun’s ban suspended
However, in a surprise twist, FIFA has decided to suspend Balogun’s ban for a period of 12 months under its disciplinary regulations. Crucially, the ban is not cancelled, but simply put on hold.
“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,” a statement read.
“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.”
U.S. Soccer also confirmed the decision, saying that it is “pleased” that Balogun would be eligible to play against Belgium. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, the White House reportedly made a direct call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked him to review the red card.
However, Jacobs added that a FIFA source stressed that the White House could not have affected the decision to suspend Balogun’s ban, as FIFA’s disciplinary body was independent and protected by the powers under Article 27.
United States President Donald Trump shared his joy to the new of Balogun’s ban being suspended, writing on Truth Social, “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”
Cleared to play against Belgium, Balogun can write his name in the history books in the next match. He is just one goal short of Bert Patenaude’s 1930 record of four goals in a single World Cup edition.
Will Folarin Balogun play in USA vs Belgium?
Yes, Balogun will play after FIFA suspended his one‑match ban.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.