In a stunning twist ahead of the United States men’s national team’s World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has confirmed that striker Folarin Balogun will be eligible to play on Monday, July 6.
The decision completely shifts the dynamic for the American attack, reversing what initially looked like a devastating tournament exit for the forward.
The 25-year-old striker was facing an automatic one-match suspension following a straight red card during the USMNT’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1.
Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute following a video assistant referee review for a challenge where he caught the ankle of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic. The referee on the pitch deemed the tackle an offense under “serious foul play,” triggering the immediate ejection.
U.S. Soccer launched a swift appeal against the decision, arguing that the contact was accidental and did not meet the threshold for a tournament-altering red card.
Following an expedited review of the match footage, FIFA’s disciplinary panel agreed to lift the suspension, effectively acknowledging that the on-field punishment was overly severe.
The reversal is a massive relief for the USMNT coaching staff and fanbase. Balogun has been the focal point of the American frontline throughout the tournament, including the intense group-stage battle against Australia on June 19.
Losing him for a win-or-go-home match against a formidable Belgian side would have forced a major tactical reshuffle. With the ban rescinded, the United States heads into Monday’s knockout clash with its primary goalscorer fully available.
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