Folarin Balogun cleared to play for USMNT following red card ban lift
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 5, 2026, 6:47 PM
Last updated Jul 5, 2026
Folarin Balogun has been cleared to play for the USMNT against Belgium in the World Cup round of 16 following FIFA's decision to suspend his one-game red card ban. This suspension came after his dismissal during a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. President Donald Trump voiced his support for FIFA's reversal, noting the decision as a rectification of an injustice. Balogun's performance thus far has been crucial for the US team as they aim to advance further in the tournament, with their next match scheduled for July 19.
- •Balogun was the top scorer for the USMNT at the World Cup.
- •FIFA lifted his red card ban before the Belgium match.
- •Trump publicly thanked FIFA for reversing the ban.
- •The USMNT's next match is on July 19.
- 1:49 AMYahoo Sports — Trump happy, Belgium 'astonished' as FIFA suspends Balogun ban
- 6:47 PMYahoo Sports — Donald Trump says ‘thank you’ to FIFA after Folarin Balogun red card ban lifted
"The ruling body FIFA has suspended a suspension of United States national team striker Folarin Balogun which makes him eligible to play against Belgium in the World Cup last 16 on Monday. The decision was welcomed by the US team and the nation's president, Donald Trump, while Belgium said they were "astonished" by the ruling and were "investigating all potential options.
"USMNT’S top scorer at the World Cup, Folarin Balogun, has been cleared to play against Belgium in the round of 16. FIFA is suspending the one-game suspension he received after a straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which gives Mauricio Pochettino’s side a welcome boost as they look to push on towards July 19th.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 1:49 AMTrump happy, Belgium 'astonished' as FIFA suspends Balogun ban
The ruling body FIFA has suspended a suspension of United States national team striker Folarin Balogun which makes him eligible to play against Belgium in the World Cup last 16 on Monday. The decision was welcomed by the US team and the nation's president, Donald Trump, while Belgium said they were "astonished" by the ruling and were "investigating all potential options.
- Yahoo SportsJul 5, 2026, 6:47 PMDonald Trump says ‘thank you’ to FIFA after Folarin Balogun red card ban lifted
USMNT’S top scorer at the World Cup, Folarin Balogun, has been cleared to play against Belgium in the round of 16. FIFA is suspending the one-game suspension he received after a straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which gives Mauricio Pochettino’s side a welcome boost as they look to push on towards July 19th.
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