Folarin Balogun’s Red Card Was Just Overturned. Here’s What It Means for the USMNT.

Folarin Balogun is back. The USMNT striker had his red card overturned by FIFA on Sunday, clearing him for Monday’s Round of 16 match against Belgium. That’s a massive break for Mauricio Pochettino’s team.

Balogun was ejected during the United States’ Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. He went up for an aerial challenge and came down on Tarik Muharemovic’s leg. The referee reached for a straight red, and suddenly a player who had already scored three World Cup goals this tournament was staring at a one-game suspension.

But FIFA reviewed the incident and decided the punishment didn’t fit. The automatic ban was wiped out less than 24 hours before kickoff against Belgium. The team hasn’t said much publicly beyond confirming the news, but the locker room has to be buzzing.

Balogun opened the scoring against Bosnia. He’s been Pochettino’s go-to guy up top all summer, holding the ball up, making runs behind defenses, finishing chances that this team has struggled to create in past tournaments. Losing him for a knockout game against a dangerous Belgium side would have been a gut punch.

Now the USMNT gets its No. 9 back at full strength.

What Changed

FIFA’s disciplinary panel reportedly looked at the challenge again and determined Balogun’s foot slipped after contact. He didn’t go in reckless or with intent. Muharemovic stayed down for a bit but finished the match. That probably helped Balogun’s case.

Red card rescissions happen, but they’re not common in the middle of a World Cup. The fact that FIFA moved quickly — a day before the match — suggests the initial call was borderline at best. Fans online were split when it happened. Some called it a clear red. Others said it was harsh. FIFA sided with the latter.

What This Means for Belgium

Belgium has its own problems. They’re talented but inconsistent, and their defense can be caught out by a mobile striker who works the channels. Balogun is exactly that type of player. The USMNT now has its full attacking arsenal available, and Pochettino can stick with the game plan that got them this far.

The only real question is whether Balogun feels any lingering pressure after the scare. He went from thinking he’d be watching from the stands to getting the green light. That emotional whiplash can go either way. But if his World Cup form is any indication, he’ll channel it into something useful.

The match kicks off Monday evening. Balogun will be out there.