It's been a tumultuous week for USMNT's Folarin Balogun who scored in the Round of 32 match against Bosnia & Herzegovina, but also shown a red card.
Balogun, the squad's leading scorer in the World Cup, was tossed from the game after receiving a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic. It was a controversial foul in the moment, and caused even more discourse after the game as Balogun was expected to miss this game against Belgium due to suspension,.
However, on the eve of the match, FIFA made the decision to suspend his one-game ban, meaning he will be available to start tonight.
Belgium was granted an appeal by FIFA over the decision, which may be heard just hours before the USMNT and Belgium square off in the Round of 16 on Monday, according to The Athletic.
Getting Balogun is massive for the United States. He was the star for the in the first match against Paraguay, scoring two goals in the 4-1 victory. Balogun opened his account early but failed to score in the final two games of the group stage.
Balogun's two goals against Paraguay was the first time that an American player scored two or more goals in a World Cup match since 1930. Bert Patenaude was the last player to score 2+ goals in the tournament, when he scored a hat trick against the same Paraguayan opposition.
Balogun showed an ability to stretch Paraguay's defense with his speed and well timed runs in to the box, but also played well with the ball at his feet, creating chances for himself.
The AS Monaco forward is the favorite to be the USA's top scorer at the 2026 World Cup this summer, and is also in the hunt for the tournaments Golden Boot.
Balogun added to his tally against Bosnia & Herzegovina in the USA's first knockout stage match of the World Cup on Wednesday, and will to do just that against Belgium in the Round of 16 tonight.
The match will be played at the Seattle Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00 PM ET, 5:00 PM PT.
Here's a look at the odds for Folarin Balogun to score, assist, and more against Belgium:
Folarin Balogun's Odds to Score vs. Belgium
Balogun to Score or Assist
To Score | To Assist | To Score or Assist |
+120 | +333 | -138 |
Balogun First Goalscorer | +500 |
Balogun First USA Goalscorer | +240 |
2+ Goals | +700 |
Balogun Shots
Over 2.5 shots | -175 |
Under 2.5 shots | +125 |
4+ shots | +137 |
5+ shots | +300 |
6+ shots | +600 |
Balogun Shots on Target
Over 1.5 SOT | +125 |
Under 1.5 SOT | -175 |
3+ SOT | +450 |
4+ SOT | +1400 |
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All odds written in this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.
