USA forward Folarin Balogun will be available for his side’s FIFA World Cup last-16 clash against Belgium after FIFA suspended the one-match ban imposed following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun had been due to miss Monday’s knockout tie after receiving a straight red card in the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last 32.
The Nigerian-born striker was sent off for stepping on the foot of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic.
In a statement on Sunday, FIFA announced that the implementation of Balogun’s one-match suspension had been deferred for a probationary period of one year.
“In line with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” the world football governing body said.
The ruling makes Balogun eligible to face Belgium, handing the United States a significant boost ahead of the knockout fixture. The forward has been one of the team’s standout performers during the tournament.
US President Donald Trump welcomed FIFA’s decision, describing it as the correction of an injustice.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
The incident had also attracted political attention in Washington, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously urging FIFA to overturn the dismissal.
Balogun’s availability is expected to strengthen the United States’ hopes of reaching the quarter-finals when they face Belgium on Monday.
