Trump thanks FIFA after near-unprecedented Balogun decision
Despite being sent off against Bosnia in the World Cup round of 32, the United States has recovered its star forward: Folarin Balogun.
Good news for Mauricio Pochettino and the United States. FIFA has overturned the one-match suspension handed to USMNT star forward Folarin Balogun, meaning he will be available to face Belgium in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, rekindling the hopes of one of the tournament’s host nations.
Balogun opened the scoring late in the first half against Bosnia in the World Cup round of 32 before being sent off in the 64th minute following a controversial challenge. The dismissal forced Pochettino to rethink his attacking plans, with Ricardo Pepi appearing the most likely replacement for the Monaco striker. However, the Stars and Stripes have now received a major boost.
The Athletic reported that Balogun will be available to face Belgium on Monday in Seattle. Under Article 27, the red card will remain on his disciplinary record, but he is eligible to be selected for the decisive round-of-16 clash at the 2026 World Cup. The Monaco forward has scored three goals in three appearances, making him Pochettino’s leading scorer at the tournament.
On Monday in Seattle, the United States and Belgium will battle for a place in the World Cup quarterfinals in a matchup expected to feature plenty of attacking quality. Players such as Christian Pulisic, Balogun, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Jérémy Doku are all set to take centre stage.
Soon after the news broke, Donald Trump took to Truth Social to make his feelings clear: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
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