2026 World Cup: FIFA allows USA’s Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium despite being red carded, Trump expresses gratitude
11:08 6 July, 2026FIFA Disciplinary Committee has cleared USA striker Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium in the Round of 16 of 2026 FIFA World Cup despite his red card in the previous match.
The 24-year-old Monaco forward was sent off in the Round of 32 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina (2-0) for kicking defender Tarik Muharemovic and was expected to miss at least one match of USA.
However, FIFA Disciplinary Committee replaced the one-match suspension with a one-year probation. If Balogun receives another red card during that time, he will face a multi-match suspension.
US President Donald Trump thanked FIFA for the decision in a post on social media.
The Royal Belgian Football Association, meanwhile, expressed surprise and questioned the impartiality of the ruling.
USA and Belgium will face each other on Tuesday, with kickoff scheduled for 4pm Armenia time.
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