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.

Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham’s point toward Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner amid a heated skirmish during their game has gone mega viral.

The point turned into a meme that has reached all corners of the internet, including the White House’s social media accounts. On Friday, pointing was also seen in the ring.

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Tiffany Stratton enters the ring during SmackDown at Boardwalk Hall Arena in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on July 3, 2026. (Craig Melvin/WWE via Getty Images)

Chelsea Green, Tiffany Stratton and Charlotte Flair took on Jade Cargill, Michin and B-Fab in a six-woman tag team match on “Friday Night SmackDown.” Green and Stratton stood in front of Flair and began to point at their opponents in Cunningham’s style.

“When @WWE meets @WNBA,” Green wrote on X.

Cargill’s team defeated Flair, Stratton and Green in the match.

Cunningham shared her thoughts on the White House’s post while speaking to reporters on Friday.

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Chelsea Green celebrates with Women’s United States Champion Tiffany Stratton during Night of Champions at Kingdom Arena on June 27, 2026, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Andrew Timms/WWE via Getty Images)

“I think everyone around the world is posting it,” she said when asked about the White House’s post.

“Every company has done it. So I don’t really think twice about it. I just think they’re another group posting about it.”

Cunningham said on her podcast that her technical foul she got for the pointing gesture during the game against the Mercury was “the weakest thing I’ve ever seen in my life” and explaining that she “didn’t say a word” while “all I was doing was literally pointing.”

Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham points at Phoenix Mercury forward-guard DeWanna Bonner after an argument during a game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on June 22, 2026. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury 86-77. (USA Today Network via Reuters Connect)

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“I couldn’t help myself. I could not. She was losing her s— and all I was doing was literally pointing,” Cunningham said.

Fox News’ Jackson Thompson contributed to this report.

To progress smoothly in Sand Raiders of Sophie, collecting valuable loot is essential. However, obtaining the best items is not always easy, as you will have to deal with dangerous enemies and explore the vast desert. Some of the game’s most valuable loot is behind Red Doors, which you can only open after meeting specific requirements. If you are unsure how to unlock them, this guide covers everything you need to know about opening Red Doors in this action-adventure title.

Read more: All achievements in the game and how to unlock them

How to unlock Red Doors in Sand Raiders of Sophie

As mentioned earlier, Red Doors in Sand Raiders of Sophie hide some of the game’s most valuable loot. Unlike other locked doors, you can access these using their key. Alternatively, you need to use explosives to blast them open. There are several ways to do this, with the most effective methods listed below:

• Using fuel barrels
• Using the Trampler
• Using time bombs or grenades

Here’s a detailed look at each method.

Using fuel barrels

One of the easiest ways to open a Red Door in Sand Raiders of Sophie is by using fuel barrels. Simply find one such barrel in the surrounding area and place it directly against the door. Next, move to a safe distance and shoot the barrel. The resulting explosion will destroy the Red Door, allowing you to access the loot hidden inside.

Using the Trampler

The Trampler is not only useful for exploration and combat but can also help you break through Red Doors. To do this, equip your Trampler with cannons and position it directly in front of the door. After that, fire the cannon straight at the center of the door to trigger an explosion and destroy it. For the best results, avoid shooting from an angle, as a direct hit is much more reliable.

Using time bombs or grenades

If there are no fuel barrels nearby or your Trampler cannot reach the Red Door, time bombs and grenades are excellent alternatives. Among the two, time bombs are the most effective. Simply place one directly against the door and wait for it to detonate. Grenades can also break the door, but you may need to throw multiple explosives before it is destroyed.

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