© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Folarin Balogun will be available to play on Monday after a stunning reversal from FIFA.
Earlier this week, Balogun was issued a red card in the team’s game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Was this worthy of a red card? 🟥 pic.twitter.com/WfrIxMRNMD
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 2, 2026
FIFA initially insisted that Balogun’s red card could not be reversed.
FIFA sources confirm there is no mechanism to appeal a World Cup red card in their Disciplinary Code. Which seems quite surreal. But it means Balogun will not be able to play Belgium.
On Sunday, FIFA surprisingly announced that Balogun will be allowed to play in Monday’s game vs Belgium under Article 27, which would allow them to suspend the red card ban.
Via NY Times
A statement from the governing body and World Cup organizer read: “In line with article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.
“If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”
According to GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs, the White House directly called FIFA to look into Balogun’s red card. FIFA insists that their decision had nothing to do with White House influence.
🚨 Exclusive: The White House made a direct call to FIFA to ask Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun’s red card.
FIFA approached for comment and referred to the findings of its independent committee.
FIFA sources insist White House influence could not affect the decision… pic.twitter.com/Rl97b1wm4X
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 5, 2026
President Trump went on to thank FIFA for their decision on Balogun.
Donald Trump responds to FIFA suspending the red card suspension of USMNT striker Falorin Balogun.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” pic.twitter.com/Ik5ZIHj3W2
— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) July 5, 2026