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2026 World Cup: USMNT striker Folarin Balogun available vs. Belgium after red-card ban suspended following President Trump's reported call to FIFA
Yahoo Sports • • general
Key Points:
- United States striker Folarin Balogun, initially suspended for a red card received against Bosnia-Herzegovina, will be available for the U.S. match against Belgium after FIFA suspended his one-game ban citing Article 27 of its code of discipline.
- The red card was given after video review showed Balogun stepping on a defender's ankle, which normally triggers an automatic suspension per FIFA World Cup rules; however, the suspension was lifted following intervention involving U.S. officials and a call from former President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
- This decision marks only the second known instance of FIFA overturning a World Cup red-card suspension, with the previous case dating back to 1962 involving Brazil's Garrincha.
- The reversal has drawn strong criticism from Belgium officials, who have been granted the right to appeal the suspension lift, arguing the decision contradicts multiple FIFA disciplinary codes and World Cup regulations.
- U.S. Soccer accepted the ruling and expressed focus on the upcoming match, while Belgium's football association is exploring all options to challenge the decision to maintain fairness and uphold the sport's principles.
