Leading goalscorer Folarin Balogun is now available to play for the USA against Belgium in their massive last 16 game of the 2026 World Cup in Seattle on Monday, as his ban has been suspended by FIFA.
This decision has caused shockwaves around the globe, as rarely used Article 27 has been used by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee to make Balogun available. His red card wasn’t overturned, the one-game was just suspended.
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Via our partners at NBC News, U.S. Soccer said the following on Balogun being available:
“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow. 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.”
How is Folarin Balogun able to play for the USA against Belgium?
Balogun was sent off in the second half of the USA’s 2-0 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. The referee on the pitch didn’t give a red card but Balogun was sent off after a VAR review.
The red card drew huge criticism from pretty much everyone and was deemed to be extremely harsh as the challenge was accidental.
A statement from FIFA has said that Balogun’s one-game ban will now be suspended, due to a ruling they can make per Article 27, and he will be able to start up top for the USA against Belgium.
President Donald Trump has also commented on the situation, saying: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”
This news is massive as Balogun has scored three goals for the USA so far at this World Cup, and has been key up top in their great run to the last 16.
Quite how Belgium, and the wider soccer community, will feel feel about this is another matter.
Confirmed by FIFA that Folarin Balogun is available for the U.S. after his suspension was suspended for a year https://t.co/dEyu773fQZ pic.twitter.com/QDqz4PlqQd
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) July 5, 2026
