Folarin Balogun will line up for the United States men’s national team in Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium after FIFA suspended his one-match red card ban. His availability has become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the U.S. men's national team, and he is now cleared to start.
The 25-year-old, who leads the U.S. with two goals at the tournament, was sent off in the closing stages of the Americans’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Under normal circumstances, a straight red card carries an automatic one-game suspension.
Folarin Balogun cleared to start for USA against Belgium in World Cup Round of 16
However, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee invoked Article 27 of its code, which allows a judicial body to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a sanction for a probationary period. The decision effectively clears Balogun to play at Lumen Field.
Reports indicate the move followed a call from U.S. President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino requesting a review of the red card. Trump later publicly defended the intervention, calling the original decision unfair.
Belgium’s football federation expressed astonishment at the ruling and lodged an appeal, which FIFA’s appeals committee deemed inadmissible, allowing the decision to stand. The case has drawn criticism from some observers, with UEFA sources describing it as unprecedented.
Balogun, who plays club football for Monaco, has been a key figure for the U.S. in their home World Cup campaign. His availability gives manager Mauricio Pochettino a major boost in attack as the team aims to reach the quarterfinals.
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