FIFA has announced that Folarin Balogun, a US national team striker, will be available for the co-hosts in their round-of-16 match at the ongoing 2026 World Cup.
According to a statement by FIFA on Sunday, its disciplinary
committee invoked Article 27 FDC to allow the striker, who has scored three
goals, to face Belgium on Monday.
Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute of the round-of-32
match between the US and Bosnia & Herzegovina for a dangerous foul, a
punishment that carries an automatic suspension. Mauricio Pochettino’s team
eventually won 2-0, but the impending unavailability of Balogun soured the
victory.
However, FIFA, through its disciplinary committee, has
handed the co-hosts a reprieve following reported calls for intervention,
suspending Balogun’s ban for one year.
“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 (1) year,” FIFA’s statement reads.
US President Donald Trump thanked FIFA for reversing
Balogun’s red card on Truth Social and labelled the decision an injustice.
Balogun, with three goals in three matches, has a goal
contribution per match for the USA in the ongoing World Cup, and his
availability would boost the Stars and Stripes’ chances against a rejuvenated
Belgium.
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