USMNT confirmed starting lineup vs. Belgium includes Balogun: Mauricio Pochettino’s XI for World Cup Round of 16
Folarin Balogun starts for the United States just hours after FIFA suspended his automatic one-match ban following a review requested by President Donald Trump.
The United States will have Folarin Balogun leading the line against Belgium after Mauricio Pochettino named the striker in his starting lineup for Monday’s World Cup Round of 16 clash in Seattle.
Balogun’s inclusion comes after FIFA suspended the automatic one-match ban triggered by his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, allowing him to play following a review process that began after President Donald Trump contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request the decision be reviewed. The move has sparked widespread debate across world soccer, with Belgium unsuccessfully challenging the striker’s eligibility before kickoff.
Pochettino has opted to restore Balogun to the starting XI immediately, despite the controversy surrounding his availability.
USMNT XI vs. Belgium
Goalkeeper: Matt Freese
Defenders: Sergiño Dest, Chris Richards, Tim Ream (capt.), Antonee Robinson
Midfielders: Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Alex Freeman, Malik Tillman, Christian Pulisic
Forward: Folarin Balogun
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