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United States President Donald Trump has welcomed FIFA’s decision to suspend the one-match ban imposed on Folarin Balogun, making the striker available for the USA’s FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium.
Balogun had been set to miss the knockout fixture after receiving a straight red card during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous round. The striker was sent off following a challenge on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic.
However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the suspension would not take immediate effect. Instead, the governing body said the sanction has been suspended for a probationary period of one year, allowing Balogun to feature against Belgium.
In a statement, FIFA said the decision was made under Article 27 of its disciplinary code. The organisation explained that if Balogun commits another offence of a similar nature during the probation period, the suspension will be enforced in addition to any new punishment.
The ruling means Balogun is now eligible to play against Belgium in the Round of 16.
Reacting to the development, Trump welcomed FIFA’s decision in a post on his Truth Social platform.
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“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” the US President wrote.
Balogun’s red card had generated widespread debate after the match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Under FIFA rules, a straight red card normally carries an automatic one-match suspension.
At the time, reports suggested that the suspension could not be appealed. However, later reports indicated that Balogun would be cleared to face Belgium, a position that was eventually confirmed by both FIFA and U.S. Soccer.
The decision came after criticism from United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino and team captain Christian Pulisic, who both questioned the referee’s decision following the match.
Balogun has been one of the United States’ key players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His availability is expected to provide a major boost for the team ahead of their crucial knockout clash against Belgium.
