Folarin Balogun Suspension Lifted, Clearing USMNT Star to Face Belgium After Trump Urged FIFA Review
The U.S. men’s national team received a major boost ahead of its World Cup Round of 16 showdown with Belgium after FIFA suspended the one-match ban facing striker Folarin Balogun, clearing the Brooklyn-born forward to play Monday in Seattle.
The surprise decision means the United States will have its leading World Cup scorer available with a place in the quarterfinals at stake. Balogun had been expected to miss the elimination match after receiving a red card during the Americans’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Instead, FIFA invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code and suspended enforcement of the automatic match ban for a one-year probationary period.
“By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” FIFA said in a statement.
Under the ruling, Balogun can face Belgium. However, if he commits another offense of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspended sanction could be reinstated in addition to any new punishment.
FIFA Uses Article 27 to Put Balogun Ban on Probation
The ruling marked a dramatic turn after reports indicated that FIFA officials had previously maintained that the automatic suspension tied to Balogun’s red card could not be appealed under the World Cup competition rules.
FIFA did not wipe away the red card itself. Instead, its disciplinary committee relied on a separate provision of the FIFA Disciplinary Code allowing implementation of a sanction to be suspended under certain circumstances.
U.S. Soccer confirmed the decision Sunday and welcomed the news.
“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” the federation said. “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.”
The controversy began when Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Following a VAR review, officials determined that his lunging right foot came down on defender Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle.
The decision immediately drew debate over whether the contact warranted a straight red card and an automatic suspension from the United States’ next match.
Balogun later argued that the play needed to be viewed in the full context of a fast-moving soccer match.
“If you played the game, you would understand there’s scenarios that you simply can’t avoid and it has to be taken into context when it’s being reviewed,” he said.
Trump Reportedly Called FIFA President Gianni Infantino
The reversal also took on a political dimension after reports emerged that President Donald Trump personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino and pushed for the decision to be reviewed.
Trump celebrated FIFA’s action on Truth Social.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump wrote.
Multiple reports said Trump contacted Infantino about the case. The Associated Press reported that the president called the FIFA leader after the match and requested a review of the red card, citing a person familiar with the conversation.
The intervention has added another layer of controversy to an already unusual disciplinary decision, particularly because Trump and Infantino have developed a highly visible relationship as the United States co-hosts the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico.
The ruling has also drawn sharp criticism from Belgium and European soccer officials. The Royal Belgian Football Association expressed astonishment over the decision and began reviewing its options, while UEFA publicly criticized FIFA’s handling of the case amid concerns about competitive fairness and political influence.
Balogun Gives USMNT Its Leading Scorer Back
For the United States, the immediate impact is significant.
Balogun has emerged as the Americans’ most productive attacker during the tournament, scoring three goals. He struck twice against Paraguay in the opener and scored again against Bosnia-Herzegovina before being sent off.
The performance made him the first USMNT player since Landon Donovan in 2010 to score three goals at a World Cup.
His absence would have forced the United States to enter one of its biggest matches in years without its leading scorer. Instead, Balogun is now available as the Americans attempt to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.
The Monaco striker’s return gives the USMNT another attacking threat against a Belgium side now openly questioning how FIFA reached its decision.
The United States and Belgium meet Monday in Seattle with a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals on the line. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. Pacific time and 8 p.m. Eastern time.
