Folarin Balogun has been named in the starting lineup for the United States as they face Belgium in the round-of-16 match of the FIFA World Cup on July 6, 2026, in Seattle. Initially set to miss the game due to a red card, FIFA suspended the ban, allowing Balogun to play.
Balogun's Controversial Red Card Decision
Balogun's initial suspension stemmed from a red card he received after a VAR review during the U.S. team's earlier win against Bosnia-Herzegovina. The decision to suspend the red card was made public on Sunday, just a day before the crucial match against Belgium.
U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino expressed relief at having Balogun available, stating, "To have all the players available is always good news." He emphasized Balogun's contributions, noting the player scored three goals in the tournament.
Belgium's Surprising Lineup Changes
In contrast, Belgium's manager Rudi Garcia made headlines by leaving out key players Jérémy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne from the starting lineup. This decision raised eyebrows, especially given the duo's strong performances in previous matches.
The Royal Belgian Football Association expressed astonishment at FIFA's decision to allow Balogun to play, criticizing the suspension's lifting. The FA stated, "The Royal Belgian Football Association is astonished by FIFA's decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA-Belgium match."
Implications for the U.S. Team
The U.S. team is looking to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. Following Balogun's pivotal role in the team's previous match, Pochettino has maintained a consistent lineup, hoping to capitalize on their momentum.
Balogun's scoring prowess and the ongoing drama surrounding his red card have kept him in the spotlight. U.S. President Donald Trump even reached out to FIFA President Gianni Infantino for clarification on the situation, highlighting the high stakes of this World Cup match.
- Date: July 6, 2026
- Location: Seattle
- Opponent: Belgium
- U.S. Manager: Mauricio Pochettino
- Belgium Manager: Rudi Garcia
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by ESPN Soccer. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
