In a notable development during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, governing body FIFA suspended the one-match ban imposed on U.S. Men’s National Team forward Folarin Balogun following a controversial red card. The decision, issued on July 5, makes the team’s leading scorer eligible for the round-of-16 matchup against Belgium.
Balogun, 25, received a straight red card in the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 on July 2. The incident occurred when his foot made contact with the ankle of Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic during a challenge.
Referees deemed it serious foul play, resulting in an automatic one-game suspension under standard FIFA disciplinary rules for red cards issued in the tournament.
The call quickly became the subject of intense debate both in the United States and the wider soccer world. A number of former referees and analysts described it as overly punitive, arguing the contact appeared unintentional or not warranting a red card in the context of the match.
Balogun and U.S. coaching staff also expressed frustration, with the player maintaining it was not a deliberate act warranting ejection.
The decision left the U.S. without its top scorer — as Balogun has already scored three goals in the tournament — for a critical knockout game, which amplified discussions about refereeing standards and fairness in high-stakes matches.
Breaking: Folarin Balogun will be available to play in USA’s Round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday, FIFA announced.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has suspended the red card issued to the USA striker during their Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. pic.twitter.com/Vei4RKDKfP
— ESPN (@espn) July 5, 2026
On July 1, President Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card and resulting suspension. Sources familiar with the conversation indicated Trump sought clarification on the ruling’s basis, according to a report from USAToday.
Then, on July 5, FIFA’s independent disciplinary panel invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code. It suspended the automatic ban for a one-year probationary period without overturning the red card itself. This allowed Balogun to participate in the match against Belgium while keeping the card on record for potential future implications.
The move is highly unusual, as it marks the first such reversal for a World Cup red card since 1962. FIFA has stated the ruling followed standard procedures and has not directly addressed the role of external appeals.
The reversal provides the U.S. team a significant boost ahead of a knockout clash against Belgium, as Balogun has been central to the team’s attack as the leading goal scorer.
