Folarin Balogun eligible to play for US vs Belgium as FIFA rescinds red card suspension
Quick summary
FIFA has rescinded Folarin Balogun's suspension following his red card, making the USMNT striker available for the upcoming match against Belgium at the 2026 World Cup.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceUS striker was shown red in last-32 match
Fifa disciplinary committee cites article of Fifa code
USA striker Folarin Balogun will play in his team’s last-16 game against Belgium on Monday after Fifa announced it has suspended the one-game ban he received for a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina .
The decision gives the US a huge boost as they attempt to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. Balogun has been a constant threat for the US so far this tournament, and has scored three goals in three starts. Without him, US coach Mauricio Pochettino was scrambling to come up with other options in attack.
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What happened
USMNT forward Folarin Balogun is set to be available for the United States' crucial World Cup match against Belgium after FIFA overturned his red card suspension. The original sending-off would have ruled him out of the Belgium fixture, a significant blow given his importance to the US attack. With the ban lifted, Balogun can now be selected and is expected to feature in the squad. The decision provides a major boost to the USMNT's attacking options in a high-stakes group-stage encounter.
Chance analysis
Balogun's availability is a significant positive for the USMNT, as he is one of their primary goal-scoring threats. The reinstatement restores tactical flexibility and starting options up front against a strong Belgian side. For prediction models, this shifts the US attacking ceiling upward, though Belgium remain favorites. The reversal also reflects FIFA's willingness to review disciplinary decisions when warranted.
USMNT gain a key attacking starter for the Belgium match, strengthening their offensive capability in a critical World Cup fixture.
Boost USMNT attacking projection for Belgium match — Balogun is available and likely to start, improving their goal-scoring likelihood.