![Soccer match moment as a white-jersey attacker and blue-jersey defender collide for the ball on a green field with a packed stadium in the background.] Best?](https://pasoroblestimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/United-States-soccer-Folarin-Balogun-red-card-has-be-suspended.jpg)
SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 6 (San Francisco News Online) — Folarin Balogun will be available for the United States’ World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle after FIFA suspended his one-match red-card ban for one year, a ruling that left Belgian officials astonished.
FIFA said its disciplinary committee put the implementation of Balogun’s suspension on hold under Article 27 of its disciplinary code. The governing body said that if Balogun commits another infringement of similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the ban will be enforced.
Balogun was sent off in the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The suspension decision means he can play in Monday’s match against Belgium.
Multiple outlets, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter, reported that President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asked him to review Balogun’s red-card suspension. The reports did not include a direct statement from Trump, Infantino or FIFA confirming the call.
The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was “astonished” by FIFA’s decision and said it viewed the move as contrary to FIFA rules. U.S. Soccer said it accepted and was pleased with the ruling.
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said the decision was “a bit of a surprise,” according to the reports.
