FIFA changed its mind. That doesn’t happen often. But on Sunday, the world governing body officially suspended Folarin Balogun’s one-game red card suspension, meaning the USMNT’s top striker will be available for Monday’s Round of 16 matchup against Belgium. The initial ruling had him sitting out the knockout game after a controversial dismissal against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
According to The Athletic‘s Adam Crafton, the reversal came as a surprise to just about everyone — including, apparently, the White House.
Donald Trump weighed in on Truth Social before the official news even fully settled. “Thank you to FIFA for doing what is right and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote. The post was shared widely, and the White House account later celebrated Balogun’s availability for the Belgium match.
It’s not every day a World Cup disciplinary matter draws a direct response from the sitting president. But here we are. The original one-game ban was confirmed by FIFA last week, which seemed to close the door on Balogun playing in the knockout stage — unless the USMNT found a way past Belgium without him. That was the only silver lining at the time, according to soccer insider Tom Bogert: FIFA wouldn’t extend the punishment beyond a single match. So if the U.S. won, Balogun would be back for the quarterfinals.
How the red card situation unfolded
Balogun was sent off during a group-stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The decision was harsh, fans and analysts said. The USMNT appealed, but FIFA initially held firm. The sense around the team was grim. You don’t lose your best goal-scorer right before a rematch of the 2014 World Cup classic against Belgium and feel good about it.
But Sunday’s reversal changes everything. What looked like a major obstacle — a potentially career-defining setback — got erased. Now Mauricio Pochettino gets his full squad back for the most important game of this World Cup cycle.
The USMNT has been stuck in the Round of 16 for years. Since reaching the quarterfinals in 2002, the program has hit a wall in the knockout stage. They couldn’t get past Ghana in 2006. Lost to Ghana again in 2010. Took Belgium to extra time in 2014 before falling. Missed the 2018 tournament entirely. And in 2022, the Netherlands sent them home in the Round of 16 again.
This year’s tournament is on home soil. The pressure is different. The stakes are higher. And having Balogun available — not watching from a suite — gives the U.S. a real chance to finally break through.
Monday night’s kickoff can’t come soon enough.
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