Why was Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban suspended ahead of USA vs Belgium? – Sportstar
Why was Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban suspended ahead of USA vs Belgium?
Folarin Balogun was expected to miss USA’s knockout match against Belgium after being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA’s decision to suspend his red-card ban has made him available for the Round of 16 clash
Updated : Jul 05, 2026 23:18 IST , CHENNAI – 2 MINS READ
Team Sportstar
Folarin Balogun will be available for the United States’ match against Belgium after FIFA suspended the implementation of his red-card ban.
| Photo Credit: REUTERS
Folarin Balogun will be available for the United States’ FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against Belgium after FIFA suspended the implementation of his one-match red-card ban, although the sending-off itself has not been overturned
The United States striker had been expected to miss Monday’s knockout fixture in Seattle after being shown a straight red card in the 64th minute of its 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. Balogun, who had scored the opening goal, was dismissed after a VAR review for a challenge on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic
Under FIFA rules, a straight red card usually carries an automatic one-match suspension. However, FIFA’s disciplinary framework allows its judicial body to suspend the implementation of a sanction in certain cases. The ruling means Balogun can face Belgium, but the punishment can still be activated if there is a similar offence during the probationary period
The decision is a major boost for Mauricio Pochettino’s side before one of the biggest matches of the host nation’s campaign. Balogun has been one of the United States’ most important attacking players at the tournament, scoring three goals, including the opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina
The case had initially left the United States preparing to face Belgium without its leading forward, as U.S. Soccer had indicated that the standard one-match punishment for a straight red card could not be appealed unless FIFA increased the ban
In a separate development, U.S. President Donald Trump thanked FIFA for suspending the implementation of Balogun’s red-card ban. “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump wrote on Truth Social
The winner of the United States-Belgium clash will advance to the quarterfinals, keeping alive the host nation’s bid for its deepest World Cup run in the modern era
Published on Jul 05, 2026
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