In a surprising move, FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban, enabling the U.S. forward to compete in the World Cup round of 16 against Belgium. This decision was praised by President Donald Trump. Balogun, who scored three goals for the U.S., received a red card for an unintended foul against Tarik Muharemović of Bosnia and Herzegovina, contributing to a 2-0 win in the round of 32.
Red cards typically result in automatic suspension, but players learned Balogun was cleared to play when social media posts circulated during a brief bus ride to training at the University of Washington. Defender Chris Richards initially doubted the news, thinking it was AI-generated.
Donald Trump expressed gratitude for FIFA’s decision, noting the organization’s efforts to maintain a relationship with him, such as Gianni Infantino awarding him a FIFA Peace Prize at the World Cup draw. “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump stated online.
The suspension had been a controversial tournament topic. Christian Pulisic noted that Balogun’s foul lacked intent, with other fouls in the tournament being more egregious.
FIFA communicated the decision to the U.S. Soccer Federation, saying, “The implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.” If Balogun commits a similar infringement during this time, the suspension will be revoked and penalties applied.
Balogun’s three goals include a lead goal against Bosnia, matching Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second-highest American goal tally in the World Cup, behind Bert Patenaude’s four in 1930. At 25, Balogun plays for Monaco, scoring 13 Ligue 1 goals last season, and has 12 goals in 30 international appearances. Born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents living in London, Balogun switched his national affiliation from England in 2023.
Richards remarked, “He strikes fear into a lot of defenders.” The U.S. aims to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002, previously losing in the round of 16 to Ghana in 2010, Belgium in 2014, and Netherlands in 2022, failing to advance from the group stage in 2006, and not qualifying in 2018.
While the USSF will not provide Balogun for comments, he posted a social media image of himself with U.S. fans, overlayed with Michael Jackson’s “Bad.” Balogun had previously said a yellow card would have been preferable to red.
FIFA’s decision referenced Article 27 of disciplinary rules: “The judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure. By suspending the implementation of the sanction, the judicial body subjects the person sanctioned to a probationary period of one to four years.”
In previous instances, FIFA deferred bans for Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Argentine Nicolás Otamendi, and Ecuadoran Moisés Caicedo, allowing World Cup play despite red cards. Brazil’s Garrincha was allowed to play in the 1962 final following political pressure, despite an ejection in the semifinal.