Folarin Balogun has been cleared to play for the United States in the World Cup last‑16 tie against Belgium after his one‑game ban was suspended by FIFA.
Balogun, 25, was sent off in the 64th minute of the USA’s 2‑0 win over Bosnia‑Herzegovina after a tackle that left defender Tarik Muharemovic with a twisted ankle. A red card normally triggers a suspension from the next match, but FIFA announced that the ban would be suspended for a year.
The governing body cited Article 27 of its disciplinary code, mentioning that should Balogun commit a similar offence in that period, the suspension would be enforced again. The decision has been hailed by the US, with Christian Pulisic describing the ban as “harsh” and the President thanking FIFA on Truth Social for “reversing a great injustice.”
Belgium’s Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) expressed outrage, stating that the suspension was “in direct contradiction” of the tournament regulations that were reaffirmed earlier in the year. The RBFA is investigating potential options in response to the ruling.
Balogun’s sanction is noteworthy as it is the first instance in the World Cup where a player has received a red card but not served the corresponding suspension. FIFA’s decision has sparked debate over the consistency of disciplinary actions across the tournament and raised questions about the relationships between national governments and the governing body of football.
