Folarin Balogun Cleared to Play for USA in FIFA World Cup 2026 Knockout Stage

In a pivotal moment for the USA football team, President Trump praised FIFA's decision to lift Folarin Balogun's suspension, allowing him to play in the Round of 16 against Belgium. This development comes after Balogun's red card in a previous match, and his return is expected to significantly enhance the team's chances of advancing to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. The upcoming clash holds historical significance, as the USA seeks to overcome past defeats and secure a place in the final eight.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 6, 2026, 01:10 IST

Balogun's Suspension Lifted Ahead of Crucial Match

Washington DC [US], July 6: President Donald Trump expressed his gratitude towards FIFA for allowing striker Folarin Balogun to participate in the upcoming Round of 16 match against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026. This decision comes after the governing body of world football lifted the suspension that had previously sidelined the player.

Shortly after FIFA's announcement, Trump took to Truth Social to say, "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!"

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee had declared on Sunday that the automatic one-match suspension resulting from Balogun's red card was lifted, enabling him to play in the knockout game scheduled for Monday at Seattle Stadium.

According to the committee's statement, "By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year."

Balogun received a red card in the 64th minute during the United States' 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. Despite being down to ten players, the co-hosts managed to secure their spot in the last 16.

This decision is a significant advantage for head coach Mauricio Pochettino, as Balogun has been one of the standout players for the USA in the tournament. The 25-year-old striker, born in New York, has netted three goals so far and is anticipated to spearhead the attack against Belgium.

Balogun's return enhances the United States' chances of advancing to the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002, when the tournament was held in Korea and Japan.

The upcoming match against Belgium holds historical importance for the Americans, as the two teams last faced each other in the Round of 16 during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where Belgium triumphed 2-1 in extra time, despite an incredible performance by USA goalkeeper Tim Howard, who made 16 saves—a record in World Cup history.

With Balogun now eligible, the United States enters Monday's knockout match with renewed optimism, aiming to make history and secure a long-awaited spot in the final eight.