FIFA rescinded the automatic one-game suspension of American forward Folarin Balogun on Sunday, July 5, 2026, clearing the team's leading scorer to participate in the upcoming World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday.
The disciplinary relief followed an intervention by U. S.
President Donald Trump, who contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card issued during Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to an anonymous source reported by the Associated Press.
Trump released a statement following the administrative reversal. "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!"
he said.
The decision drew strong condemnation from the opposing camp. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia questioned the timing and integrity of the global soccer governing body.
"I didn’t know that in the offices of FIFA the 5th of July was the 1st of April in Europe," Garcia said.
"The Belgian federation does not defend itself, it does not protect the national team, She defends football in general, she defends her integrity, her ethics.
I think it’s the first time in the history of the World Cup that there is this kind of decision."
The Royal Belgian Football Association also expressed official dissatisfaction and confirmed it is exploring legal measures regarding the tournament's integrity regulations.
"In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options," the Belgian federation said in a statement.
American players learned of Balogun's availability via social media during their transit to training at the University of Washington's Husky Soccer Stadium.
Teammates defended the forward against the initial disciplinary ruling. "If you look at the foul, it was just zero intent at all," said Christian Pulisic.
"I felt like there was much worse ones that went on this tournament."
The U. S.
Soccer Federation received official notification via the FIFA portal at 10:31 a. m.
EDT, which outlines a probationary structure for the player. "The implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year," FIFA announced.
"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."
U. S.
team officials opted to withhold the Monaco forward from media availability on Sunday, though Balogun referenced the situation on social media using a visual post set to music.
"He strikes fear into a lot of defenders," said U. S.
player Richards.
Prior to the ruling, Balogun had expressed his own assessment of the physical challenge that triggered the initial penalty during the match in Santa Clara.
On Friday, he said he thought a yellow card instead of red "would have been fair."
The official intervention utilized existing disciplinary guidelines under Article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary committee rules to manage the suspension deferral.
"The judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.
By suspending the implementation of the sanction, the judicial body subjects the person sanctioned to a probationary period of one to four years," the rule states.
The host United States enters Monday's fixture attempting to secure its first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 2002.
