U.S. star Folarin Balogun eligible to play vs. Belgium after FIFA suspends red card ban

United States striker Folarin Balogun has been reinstated for the team’s round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday after earning a red card in the previous round, FIFA announced Sunday.

Balogun was shown a controversial red during the U.S.’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina to start the knockout stage. He was given the card after replay review showed him inadvertently stepping on the back of the leg of a Bosnia and Herzegovina player.

A red card typically means a player is not only sent off in the match he’s playing in, but suspended for the following one. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee reviewed Balogun’s foul and decided to suspend the suspension.

“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,” read the FIFA Disciplinary Committee statement. “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.”

In a statement to NBC News, U.S. soccer said it was “pleased” that Balogun would be available for the team’s next match.

“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete [Monday],” said the statement. “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.”

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has made similar rulings in the past, as recently as 2025, when a Cristiano Ronaldo three-game ban was shortened to a one-game suspension plus probation.

Balogun, 25, has been a breakout star for the United States during the 2026 World Cup.

Born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents, Balogun was only in the U.S. because his parents were visiting New York and his mother was deemed too pregnant to fly back to London.

After playing for England during his youth career, Balogun ultimately decided to play for the U.S. when he had to pick a country for the senior level.

Balogun leads the U.S. in the World Cup with three goals. The team next plays Monday night against Belgium in Seattle.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.