World Cup 2026: FIFA Suspends Balogun’s Red Card Ahead Of USA Vs Belgium Clash

FIFA has confirmed that United States striker Folarin Balogun will be available for selection for his country’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Belgium after suspending the enforcement of his one-match ban.

The world football governing body announced the decision on Sunday, overturning the automatic suspension that followed Balogun’s red card during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Balogun was sent off after a challenge on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic, an offence that ordinarily carries a mandatory one-match suspension under FIFA regulations.

However, FIFA ruled that the implementation of the suspension would be deferred under the provisions of its disciplinary code.

“In line with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” FIFA said in a statement.

The football body explained that the suspension would only take effect if Balogun commits another offence of a similar nature and severity during the probationary period.

“If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement,” the statement added.

The decision comes as a significant boost for the United States ahead of their knockout encounter with Belgium, with Balogun expected to play a key role in the team’s attacking lineup.

The former Arsenal forward has been one of the USA’s influential performers at the tournament, and his availability strengthens the team’s hopes of progressing to the next stage of the competition.

The United States will now prepare to face Belgium in a highly anticipated Round of 32 fixture as both sides battle for a place in the last 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.