United States striker Folarin Balogun has been cleared to play in his country’s FIFA 2026 World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium after FIFA suspended the one-match ban he received following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The 25-year-old was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemović during the USA’s 2-0 victory in the Round of 32, a dismissal that initially ruled him out of the next match.
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However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the automatic suspension has been suspended for a one-year probationary period, making Balogun available for the crucial knockout fixture.
FIFA suspends one-match ban
“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,” FIFA said in a statement.
“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.”
The decision is a major boost for the co-hosts as they prepare to face Belgium in a bid to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.
Pulisic welcomes decision
United States forward Christian Pulisic revealed that the squad learned of FIFA’s decision while travelling to training on Sunday.
“Just a big smile on his face and all of ours,” Pulisic said of Balogun’s reaction.
“The foul wasn’t what it was; it was harsh.”
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