Balogun cleared for USA’s Belgium clash after FIFA suspends ban

Folarin Balogun can play for the United States against Belgium after FIFA put his automatic one-match suspension on hold. The decision follows his straight red card in the USA’s 2-0 last-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The suspension is now subject to a one-year probationary period. Under FIFA’s decision, a similar serious disciplinary offence during that time could bring the ban back into effect, with any new sanction added separately.

Balogun’s availability is a major sporting boost for Mauricio Pochettino’s side. He had already scored twice in the 4-1 win over Paraguay and also opened the scoring against Bosnia before being dismissed in the 64th minute after a VAR-reviewed challenge on Tarik Muharemovic.

The case has also drawn political attention in the United States, with Donald Trump publicly thanking FIFA after the ruling. For editors and fans, the bigger football question is how consistently FIFA applies flexibility in red-card bans during major tournaments.