FIFA Lifts Ban on US Striker Folarin Balogun for Belgium Clash

Jul 5, 2026

63 min

Jul 5, 2026 18:30

US striker Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium after FIFA lifts suspension

## Balogun's Suspension Lifted

FIFA has suspended the one-game ban on US forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to participate in the World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium. Balogun, who is the joint top scorer for the US team with three goals, was initially suspended after receiving a red card during a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

## Probationary Period

The suspension is on hold for a year, meaning if Balogun commits a similar offense during this time, the ban will be reinstated along with any new penalties. FIFA's decision was based on Article 27 of its disciplinary rules, which allows for the suspension of a sanction under certain conditions.

## US Team's World Cup Journey

The US team is aiming to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. They have previously been eliminated in the round of 16 in 2010, 2014, and 2022, and did not qualify for the 2018 tournament.

## Reactions and Comments

The decision to lift Balogun's ban has been met with mixed reactions. Former President Donald Trump praised FIFA's decision, calling it a correction of a "great injustice." Meanwhile, Balogun himself expressed on social media that he believed a yellow card would have been more appropriate for his actions.

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