Folarin Balogun will be available to play for the USA against Belgium thanks to the White House.
talkSPORT understands the Donald Trump administration put pressure on FIFA to review the decision, and made a direct call to ask their president Gianni Infantino to review the red card.
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Balogun can return to the United States team against BelgiumCredit: Getty
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Balogun has the leader of the free world to thanks for thisCredit: GETTY
The striker was due to miss the World Cup last 16 fixture on July 6 (1am UK time on July 7) after being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun was dismissed during the second half of the 2-0 victory for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic.
Even though it did not appear to be intentional, it looked ugly in replays and he was shown a straight red.
But Balogun can play against Belgium as he has been given a suspended one-match ban.
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FIFA sources insisted that US Soccer had no appeal, and sources say they did not attempt one as a result, meaning Donald Trump’s friendship with Infantino has benefited Balogun.
However, Balogun returns in what will be a massive boost for the World Cup co-hosts.
FIFA sources insist White House influence could not affect the decision due to the powers contained in Article 27 and the independent nature of the disciplinary panel.
President Donald Trump also posted on Truth Social, saying: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, a reversing a great injustice!”
A statement from US Soccer said: “We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow.
“Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans.
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Balogun has been given a suspended one-match ban by FIFACredit: Getty
FIFA said: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed the following sanction on United States national-team player Folarin Balogun, who was sent off as a result of a direct red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina played on 1 July 2026 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium:
“One-match suspension for breaches of articles 14 and 66 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC).
“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.
“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.”
Belgian FA astonished
The Belgian FA have reacted to the news and expressed their shock.
In statement, they said: “The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA–Belgium match on Monday, 6 July at 5:00 p.m. (Seattle time).
“FIFA bases its decision on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This provision states that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may decide to suspend the enforcement of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction.
“However, Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team’s next match, as has been the case for all previous red cards issued during this FIFA World Cup.
Furthermore, and irrespective of the above, the decision is in direct contradiction with the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, as set out in Article 10.5:
“If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.”
“The automatic nature of such a suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on 12 May 2026.
“The same rule is reiterated at every FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Coordination Meeting prior to each match and is included in all FIFA World Cup 2026 workshop presentations.
“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options.”
And Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said: “I didn’t know the game was being played on April Fool’s Day rather than July 6.”
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It’s so far been a World Cup to remember for the United StatesCredit: GettyUnited States on dream World Cup run
As one of the three co-hosts, the United States hoped to make a statement at the World Cup this summer.
They did just that in their opening 4-1 win over Paraguay, before a 2-0 win against Australia sent them into the last 32.
Only a late 3-2 defeat to Turkey could spoil their run of form.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side then showed their class against Bosnia and Herzegovina to confirm their last 16 status.
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A win against Belgium in Seattle would send them into the quarter-finals for just the second time ever.
The winners of Portugal v Spain will meet them there if so.
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