FIFA clears Balogun for USMNT's Belgium match
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U.S. forward Folarin Balogun (right) challenges Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemović; Balogun was shown a red card after a VAR review. Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images
U.S. star striker Folarin Balogun can play against Belgium in Monday's World Cup match after FIFA suspended his one-game ban, soccer's world governing body announced Sunday.
Why it matters: A win Monday would send the U.S. to its first World Cup quarterfinal since 2002. Balogun, the breakout scorer of the Americans' best tournament run in a generation, had been set to miss the make-or-break match before FIFA reversed course.
Driving the news: Balogun received a red card in the United States' 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
- FIFA said in a statement that in line with the governing body's Disciplinary Code, "the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year."
- If Balogun "commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement," it added.
- The Athletic, owned by the New York Times, first reported the reprieve.
- U.S. Soccer didn't immediately respond to Axios' Sunday afternoon request for comment.
Catch up quick: The U.S. won its group with eight goals and six points, its best ever group-stage performance, beating Paraguay and Australia before coming up short to Turkey.
- Balogun was sent off against Bosnia after his cleat scraped down a defender's leg to his ankle while chasing a loose ball. The controversial dismissal came after a video review and triggered an automatic one-game suspension.
- The call drew criticism at home. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the team was treated unfairly and urged FIFA to add an appeals process, and fans pressed FIFA to reverse its decision.
What they're saying: President Trump thanked FIFA for its reversal in a Truth Social post.
- "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!" he wrote.
By the numbers: Balogun's three goals lead the U.S. and tied Landon Donovan for the second-most by an American at a single World Cup. He's scored or assisted in every game he's played.
Flashback: The U.S. has reached a World Cup quarterfinal just once in the modern era, when it lost to Germany in 2002.
- The only time the nation has seen more success was in 1930, when the team took third, still its best-ever finish.
What's next: The U.S. faces Belgium on Monday at 8pm ET in Seattle.
- The winner will face Spain or Portugal in the quarterfinals.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with comment by FIFA and President Trump.
