FIFA suspends Balogun's red‑card ban, USA can field him vs Belgium
U.S. striker Folarin Balogun was shown a straight red card in the Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, which under FIFA rules would normally trigger an automatic one‑match suspension and keep him out of the Round of 16 clash with Belgium. On Sunday, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee invoked article 27 of its disciplinary code and suspended the implementation of the ban for a one‑year probationary period, meaning Balogun remains eligible for the Seattle match. The U.S. Soccer Federation welcomed the decision, saying it was “pleased” that Balogun will be available, and coach Mauricio Pochettino noted he can now plan his best attacking line‑up. U.S. President Donald Trump thanked FIFA on Truth Social, writing, “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Balogun, the tournament’s top scorer for the United States with three goals, had argued the foul was accidental and that a yellow card would have been fair. The ruling mirrors a previous FIFA precedent that allowed Cristiano Ronaldo’s suspension to be placed on probation. With Balogun cleared, the United States enters the knockout stage with a strengthened attack against Belgium.