Will Folarin Balogun play in USMNT’s World Cup clash against Belgium?
The Monaco striker’s World Cup suspension has been lifted after FIFA’s extraordinary reversal, prompting fierce criticism from Belgium and UEFA.
The USMNT is expected to be able to call upon Folarin Balogun for Monday’s 2026 World Cup round of 16 clash against Belgium despite the striker being sent off in the last 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun was shown a red card for a clumsy, studs-up challenge that raked down the back of Tarik Muharemovic’s leg. The nature of the sending off quickly caused controversy, with many believing the contact was accidental and the referee’s decision overly harsh. The forward was initially handed a one-game ban, which was due to be served against Belgium.
FIFA makes extraordinary U-turn
However, FIFA announced on Sunday that it had taken the unprecedented step of suspending Balogun’s red card for a probationary period of one year. Soon after, ABC reported that President Donald Trump had called FIFA president Gianni Infantino after the game to ask that the incident be reviewed.
After world soccer’s governing body confirmed the U-turn, Trump posted the following on social media: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”
There has since been a huge backlash, with the Belgian Football Association “astonished” by FIFA’s actions, while UEFA criticized the decision as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable” and accused FIFA of “crossing a red line.”
Big boost for the USMNT
As it stands, Balogun will be available as the USMNT aim to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. According to The Athletic, however, Belgium could still appeal FIFA’s decision just hours before kickoff.
The Monaco striker has started three of the Stars and Stripes’ four games at the tournament, with Mauricio Pochettino resting him in the third group match against Türkiye after the co-hosts had already qualified for the knockout stage.
Balogun scored twice in the United States’ group opener against Paraguay before netting the team’s first goal in the victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on the stroke of halftime. He will now have the opportunity to add to his tally when the USMNT take on the Red Devils in Seattle.
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