FIFA suspends Balogun's one-game ban, US striker cleared for Belgium showdown

Folarin Balogun will be available for the United States when they face Belgium in the World Cup last 16 after FIFA decided to suspend the automatic one-match suspension he picked up against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The Monaco striker was shown a straight red card in the 64th minute of the USA’s 2-0 victory in the round of 32, a decision that drew immediate backlash from American officials and fans. Under FIFA’s disciplinary code, the ban has now been put on hold for a probationary period of one year. “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,” FIFA said in a statement. The 25-year-old former Arsenal forward has been a central figure in Mauricio Pochettino’s attack, scoring twice in the tournament opener against Paraguay and grabbing the opening goal against Bosnia before his dismissal. His availability is a major boost for the co-hosts ahead of a knockout clash with Belgium. President Donald Trump weighed in on the matter, thanking FIFA on Truth Social for “reversing a great injustice.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio also called for a review, telling reporters, “They got screwed with that red card. There needs to be an appeal process for that.” The suspension will remain in effect only if Balogun commits a similar offense within the next year, meaning he is free to face Belgium without serving any time on the sideline.