FIFA announced on Sunday that American striker Folarin Balogun, who received a red card in the previous round, will return for Monday’s Round of 16 match against Belgium.
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Balogun was controversially shown the red during the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina to clinch a spot in the knockout stages. He was given a card after a replay check showed he had accidentally stepped on the sole of a Bosnia and Herzegovina player’s foot.
A red card usually means that a player is not only sent off for the match he is currently playing in, but also suspended for the next match. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee reviewed Balogun’s violation and decided to suspend him.
“In accordance with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the enforcement of the suspension is suspended for a one-year trial period,” a statement from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee said. “If Folarin Balogun commits another violation of a similar nature and severity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction shall be enforced without prejudice to any additional sanctions imposed for the new violation.”
In a statement to NBC News, U.S. Soccer said it is “pleased” that Balogun will be available for the team’s next game.
“We accept the decision of the disciplinary committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun was eligible to play (Monday),” it said in a statement. “We are fully committed to our Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle and look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans.”
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has made similar decisions in the past, most recently in 2025 when Cristiano Ronaldo’s three-match ban was reduced to a one-match ban and suspended sentence.
Balogun, 25, became a breakout star for the U.S. team during the 2026 World Cup.
Balogun, who was born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents, only stayed in the United States because her parents were visiting New York and her mother was deemed too pregnant to fly back to London.
After playing for England as a youth player, Balogun ultimately decided to play for the United States when he had to choose a country at senior level.
Balogun leads the United States with three goals at the World Cup. The team next faces Belgium on Monday night in Seattle.
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Contributed by Tim Lohan.
