By Our Correspondent
The United States has received a major boost ahead of its crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium after FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban, making the star striker available for selection.
Balogun, who has been one of the USA’s standout performers at the tournament with three goals, was initially handed an automatic suspension following a controversial red card during his side’s victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
However, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has now suspended the sanction under Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, allowing the 25-year-old forward to feature against Belgium. The decision places Balogun under a one-year probationary period, meaning the suspended ban could be enforced if he commits a similar offence during that time.
The ruling comes as a significant relief for U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who had been preparing for the knockout fixture without his leading scorer. U.S. Soccer welcomed FIFA’s decision, describing it as a positive outcome as the team shifts its full focus to the high-stakes encounter.
Balogun’s availability is expected to strengthen the American attack as the United States bids to reach the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.
The Round of 16 showdown between the United States and Belgium is set to take place in Seattle, with a place in the last eight at stake.
