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USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun will be able to play in Monday’s game against Belgium in the Round of 16 match after all following an uproar over a red card he received against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun received the red card after he stepped on the foot of Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic. The red card was given after Brazilian referee Raphael Claus stopped the match for a VAR review to determine whether Balogun had committed a severe foul.
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It was ruled that Balogun did and he was sent off.
The Athletic, which first reported Balogun’s playing status on Sunday, noted that part of FIFA’s disciplinary code stated, “the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”
“If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement,” the rule added.
FOX Sports confirmed that Balogun would be able to play. The report noted that the play should not have been flagged to Claus.
FIFA confirmed that the suspension was suspended for a probationary period of one year.
“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” U.S. Soccer said. “Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans.”
Balogun scored against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He spoke to reporters Friday about the red card.
“First and foremost, it was totally unintentional, which I’m sure a lot of people know. But, you know, I think the choice of the referee was, of course, his choice, but I don’t think it was the correct call,” he said. “I think a yellow card would have been fair due to it not being intentional. There’s not many places I can place my foot in such a scenario. But it’s happened, and it’s something that I have to accept and move forward from.
“There’s been lots of different emotions. I’ve been upset, I’ve been happy, it’s been surreal to be honest,” he added. “But for me it was just important to stay calm. I never want to react out of anger and emotion. There’s still lots of people we’re inspiring. Little kids, boys and girls are watching. We have to show them the correct way to handle things even when you think it’s unjust, so I felt I did that. I’m happy with the support, not just I’m receiving but the team. I think we’re all looking forward to seeing what we can do against Belgium.”
U.S. Soccer had no way to appeal the ruing. Article 9.6 of the 2026 World Cup regulations reads, “No protests may be made about the referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with play. Such decisions are final and not subject to appeal, unless otherwise stipulated in the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”
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“If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match,” Article 10.5 adds.
Fox News’ Jonathan Hunt contributed to this report.
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