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United States striker Folarin Balogun will be available for the U.S. men’s national team’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium after FIFA suspended the enforcement of his one-match ban following his red card against Bosnia.
Balogun, who scored his third goal of the tournament during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia, was sent off in the second half after a VAR review determined that he had stepped on the ankle of defender Tarik Muharemovic. U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino argued that the challenge did not deserve a red card and maintained the decision was too harsh.
According to a source familiar with the matter, U.S. President Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino and requested a review of the incident. Reuters has sought comment from FIFA regarding the reported conversation.
Rather than overturning the red card, FIFA announced that it had suspended the implementation of the automatic one-match suspension under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The governing body said the suspension would remain on probation for one year. If Balogun commits a similar offense during that period, the original suspension will be enforced in addition to any new disciplinary action.
President Trump welcomed the decision on Truth Social, describing it as the correction of “a great injustice.” The White House also celebrated the ruling on X with a “USA-USA-USA” message. U.S. Soccer accepted FIFA’s decision, while forward Christian Pulisic said players first learned of Balogun’s reinstatement through social media while traveling to training, adding that the squad was surprised before embracing the positive news.
Belgium’s football federation strongly criticized FIFA’s ruling, saying it was “astonished” by the decision. The Royal Belgian Football Association argued that Article 66.4 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 10.5 of the FIFA World Cup regulations clearly require players who receive a red card to miss their team’s next match. The federation said it is reviewing all available options, claiming FIFA’s decision contradicts the tournament’s established disciplinary rules.
FIFA has previously suspended or reduced disciplinary sanctions in exceptional cases. Cristiano Ronaldo was allowed to play in Portugal’s opening World Cup matches after part of a previous suspension was deferred, while Brazil legend Garrincha famously played in the 1962 World Cup final after a successful appeal despite being sent off in the semifinal.
