The U.S. Men’s National Team received a major boost ahead of its biggest match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after FIFA took the unusual step of suspending the automatic one-match ban handed to star striker Folarin Balogun, making him eligible to suit up against Belgium in the Round of 16.
The decision immediately became one of the tournament’s biggest storylines, as it reversed what many soccer analysts had viewed as an excessively harsh punishment. While the red card itself will remain on Balogun’s disciplinary record, FIFA’s ruling means the American forward will not be forced to sit out one of the team’s most important matches.
Balogun, 25, was shown a straight red card during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 after his foot struck the ankle of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic during a challenge.
