WORLD CUP
Men’s World Cup
Folarin Balogun suspension reversed in huge boost for USA World Cup hopes
Jon ArnoldUSA TODAY
Updated July 5, 2026, 1:13 p.m. ET
The United States no longer needs to find an answer to its biggest lineup question heading into its World Cup round of 16 match with Belgium
Who would replace Folarin Balogun?
Balogun, it turns out, after FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee announced a surprising reversal on Sunday – the day before the contest – won’t be suspended
The forward was sent off for coming down on the foot of Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the 64th minute of the Americans’ win in the round of 32. The red card carried a one-match suspension in the next game, and there is no appeal process. However, the suspension was suspended by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee
“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 FIFA 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.”
FIFA’s regulations state, “the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.” The player is then subject to a probationary period in which that suspension is revoked
U.S. Soccer welcomed the decision, saying in a statement, “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.”
U.S. Soccer was engaged the process with the disciplinary committee and learned of the decision Sunday morning
A similar measure was used that allowed Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo to play in the start of the 2026 World Cup with a three-match ban for an elbow thrown in a 2025 match against Ireland suspended
FIFA declined to provide answers when asked by USA TODAY Sports for additional details on the reasoning behind the reversal of Balogun’s suspension
The forward himself stayed calm and was seen shaking hands with Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, who administered the card after a video review, after the game. But he also called the decision “unjust” and said he wasn’t sure what he was supposed to do to evade contact on the play
“I think as you all saw, if there’s nowhere else to put your leg, it’s going to be unavoidable,” he said at a U.S. training session. “I’ve seen many different opinions and takes,” he added. “But, for me personally, I think a yellow card would have been fair
The New York-born, London-raised forward is key to the Americans’ hopes of continuing on in the World Cup being hosted in the U.S. He scored a double in the opening match against Paraguay and had scored against Bosnia before seeing the red card brandished
Balogun’s goal against Bosnia was the third time he had the ball in the net, with the previous two having been ruled out for infractions. But that is a show of the type of danger he creates with his finishing ability and his wide runs to open space and connect with other attackers
