Balogun cleared to face Belgium after FIFA stays red-card suspension

Folarin Balogun is available for the United States against Belgium after FIFA stayed the automatic suspension tied to his red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The disciplinary decision applies for a one-year probationary period under Article 27 of FIFA’s disciplinary code.

The ruling is a major availability boost for the U.S. before Monday night’s round of 16 match in Seattle. Balogun had scored the opening goal in the 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina before being dismissed in the 64th minute for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic.

U.S. Soccer said it accepted the disciplinary committee’s decision and shifted focus to the Belgium match. The team is trying to reach a World Cup quarterfinal for the first time since 2002.

The case also drew wider attention, with Balogun previously saying the incident needed to be judged in context and U.S. President Donald Trump commenting publicly on FIFA’s decision. For editors, the football angle remains clear: the U.S. will have one of its key attacking options available for a knockout match.