Folarin Balogun cleared to face Belgium in World Cup after FIFA suspends one-match ban as President Donald Trump praises reversal of 'great injustice'

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Folarin Balogun will be available for the United States' World Cup last-16 tie against Belgium on Tuesday after FIFA suspended the red card and automatic one-match ban he received against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The decision provides a significant lift for Mauricio Pochettino’s side as they look to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.

Folarin Balogun was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina

Image credit: Getty Images

Balogun has been one of the standout performers of the co-hosts' tournament, scoring three goals in three starts and emerging as the focal point of the US forward line.

His absence would have forced Pochettino to rework his attack, but FIFA’s ruling means the striker will now be free to feature in Seattle against Belgium.

The sanction was imposed after Balogun was dismissed in the 64th minute of the last-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, when referee Raphael Claus upgraded an initial non-foul call to a straight red for violent conduct following a VAR review.

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The incident stemmed from a challenge in which Balogun, attempting to shield the ball, made contact with defender Tarik Muharemovic after a tussle for a looping pass.

FIFA confirmed the suspension has been imposed under Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which allows sanctions to be suspended for a one-year probationary period provided the offence is not related to match-fixing.

'Never was a red card' - Pochettino unhappy with decision to send off Balogun

Video credit: SNTV

The governing body added that if Balogun commits a similar infringement during that period, the ban will be enforced in addition to any new sanction.

The ruling leaves the red card on record but clears him for immediate selection, with FIFA having used the same provision in previous cases, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s suspension during World Cup qualifying.

The decision sparked political reaction in the United States, with President Donald Trump thanking FIFA on social media for "reversing a great injustice," while US Soccer confirmed it had been engaged in the process and welcomed the outcome.

Folarin Balogun has scored three goals at the 2026 World Cup

Image credit: Getty Images

"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

A US Soccer spokesperson said: "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.”

Belgium, based in Seattle for the duration of the tournament, are also preparing for the encounter, with players acknowledging the challenge of facing the hosts in a hostile environment.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it was "astonished" by FIFA's decision to make Balogun eligible for the last 16 clash.

It highlighted that all previous red cards in the tournament had resulted in automatic one-game suspensions, saying Balogun's inclusion is in "direct contradiction" to FIFA's regulations.

"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," the RBFA said.

Balogun himself described the incident as ”surreal” earlier in the week and has been praised internally for his composed reaction to the decision.

Head coach Pochettino insisted at the time: "It was a normal action in football that happened by accident. It's never intentional to step on the player. That is why, for me, it was never a red card."

Pochettino added: "I think we need to talk about if we can appeal the red card. That should be fair to demonstrate that wasn’t a red card, but I don’t know if that’s possible or not.

"If that is not possible, we will have different options and we’ll see which decision we will take."

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