Folarin Balogun available for USMNT World Cup round of 16 match vs. Belgium: FIFA lifts red card suspension

The United States men’s national team has received a major boost to their hopes of defeating Belgium as striker Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension has been lifted. Balogun was sent off in the second half of the United States’ victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina for a challenge on a defender, which the referee punished with a red card following a VAR review. Now FIFA’s disciplinary committee has overturned it, making him available for the round of 16 and removing his one-game suspension.

FIFA released a statement on the red card, which includes a probationary period of one year:

“In line with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year. If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”

US Soccer has also issued a statement, saying they’re looking forward to fan support in Seattle, where they’ll now have Balogun available. 

“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow. Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans.”

While U.S. Soccer was engaged with FIFA over the suspension, they found out the news in a phone call Saturday morning, according to CBS Sports’ Pardeep Cattry. And the team was told shortly thereafter in a team meeting.

The red card itself resulted from a questionable set of circumstances. Balogun was not even cautioned on the field initially, and it was only after a slow motion replay that VAR reviewed the events. However, FIFA’s decision to overturn the suspension did not question the initial awarding of the red card, only asserted it’s rights to suspend a suspension for a probationary period when it decides to.

Has a suspension like this been overturned before?

There was no official process to appeal, but the judicial body reserves the right to fully or partially suspend disciplinary action. This is a similar reason as to why Cristiano Ronaldo was available to start the World Cup after picking up a red card against Ireland, which would’ve seen him miss the opening match of the World Cup for Portugal. FIFA similarly suspended that red card, which has allowed him to play for his national team without missing any games. 

It’s a major boost to the team as Balogun has scored three goals in the World Cup so far. His presence in the attack has created a real danger, and it’ll be on display as they look to make the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002 when they defeated Mexico in the round of 16 under Bruce Arena.

What is Belgium saying?

 The Royal Belgian FA is far from pleased with this outcome and are, “investigating all potential options.”

“The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA–Belgium match on Monday, 6 July at 5:00 p.m. (Seattle time),” The statement said. After referring to the issues posed behind the lack of clarity in Article 27, which was used to overturn the red card, the statement continued.

“However, Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team’s next match, as has been the case for all previous red cards issued during this FIFA World Cup.”

“Furthermore, and irrespective of the above, the decision is in direct contradiction with the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, as set out in Article 10.5:

“If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.”The automatic nature of such a suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on 12 May 2026.

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“The same rule is reiterated at every FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Coordination Meeting prior to each match and is included in all FIFA World Cup 2026 workshop presentations. In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options.