In a significant development on July 5, 2026, FIFA suspended the one-match ban imposed on Folarin Balogun, allowing the USA striker to participate in the World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. This decision comes after Balogun received a red card for stepping on the ankle of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Tarik Muharemovic during the USA's 2-0 victory in the Round of 32.
FIFA's announcement stated, “In line with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.” Should Balogun commit another similar infringement within this period, the suspension will be enforced.
US President Trump's Reaction to FIFA's Decision
Following FIFA's decision, US President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform to express gratitude towards FIFA. “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump stated, highlighting the importance of Balogun's availability for the crucial match.
The US Soccer federation also welcomed the ruling. In a statement, they said, “We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow.” This sentiment underscores the significance of Balogun's role in the team.
Balogun's Performance and Implications for the Match
Balogun, who has netted three goals in four matches during the tournament, expressed his belief that a yellow card would have been a more appropriate punishment for his actions. “There’s nowhere else to put your leg. It’s going to be unavoidable,” he remarked during a training session.
As the USA prepares for the match against Belgium in Seattle, Balogun's presence is seen as crucial. He has been awarded the Player of the Match title twice and is just one goal away from matching Bert Patenaude's record for the most goals scored by a USA player in a single World Cup.
Historical Context and Records
Balogun's potential to set a new record adds to the excitement surrounding the match. Bert Patenaude holds the current record with 3 goals, achieved during the inaugural World Cup in 1930. Meanwhile, Michelle Akers holds the record for the most goals by any USA player at a World Cup, with an impressive 10 goals scored during the 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
- Folarin Balogun's red card incident
- Trump's statement on FIFA's decision
- US Soccer's response to the ruling
- Balogun's goal-scoring record
- Historical records in USA football
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Al Jazeera. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
