Why Was Folarin Balogun's Suspension Reversed?

Charlie Zschau Updated: 9 hours ago

USA star Folarin Balogun's red card suspension has been reversed, but is still pending appeal.

The United States Men's National Team received news on Sunday that FIFA was reversing Folarin Balogun's one-game suspension following his red card in the Round of 32 match against Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Balogun was shown a straight red card for a foul on Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic in the 64th minute of last week's clash. The star forward was expected to miss the team's upcoming Round of 16 match against Belgium, but his one-game ban was controversially suspended, meaning he will be available to start.

FIFA’s decision to reverse Balogun's red card was made under Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which allows its judicial bodies to suspend or reduce penalties. FIFA took action after the U.S. government presented evidence that officials had inappropriately used slow-motion replays during VAR—a move that immediately followed a direct phone call from President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Because straight red cards are usually not eligible for appeal under FIFA regulations, the ruling shocked the football world and drew immediate criticism. UEFA and the Belgian Football Association, Team USA’s next opponents, condemned the decision, arguing it creates a worrying precedent and contradicts standard tournament rules. FIFA subsequently granted Belgium an accelerated appeal to challenge the suspension.

As the United States is one of the host nations, and the White House was reportedly involved, the situation has raised serious questions regarding FIFA’s loyalties and its commitment to protecting the integrity of the sport.

Had Balogun been ruled out through suspension, it would have been a major setback for the USA. Before being sent off, Balogun had already scored against Bosnia, taking his tournament total to three goals in as many matches.

The 25-year-old arrived at the 2026 World Cup on the back of an excellent season with Monaco, where he netted 19 goals in all competitions, and he appears the leading contender to score for the USA against Belgium.