Folarin Balogun Named In Starting XI For USA vs Belgium

Mauricio Pochettino has named Folarin Balogun in the starting lineup for the United States as they take on Belgium today in the World Cup Round of 16 in Seattle.

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Balogun Cleared To Play After Suspension Overturned

Balogun had looked set to miss today’s match after being sent off in the Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, following a VAR review of a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic.

On Sunday, FIFA moved to suspend the automatic match ban, instead placing Balogun on a one year probation and clearing him to face Belgium.

Pochettino has responded by naming the exact same starting eleven that beat Bosnia and Herzegovina, keeping Balogun in as the USA chase their first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 2002.

Decision Draws Criticism And Political Attention

The ruling has not gone without controversy. Belgium’s football federation issued a statement expressing disbelief at the decision, and UEFA also pushed back strongly against FIFA’s handling of the case.

The situation escalated further when President Donald Trump confirmed he had personally reached out to FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask about the suspension and whether it could be reviewed.

FIFA has defended the ruling, saying its judicial bodies operate independently and base decisions strictly on the FIFA Disciplinary Code and the facts of each case.

Pochettino said he stayed out of the process entirely, focusing solely on preparing his team for today’s match rather than the disciplinary proceedings surrounding his forward.

Belgium Makes Its Own Surprise Changes

Belgium boss Rudi Garcia has made a notable call of his own, leaving both Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne out of the starting lineup after the pair featured prominently throughout the group stage and Round of 32.

Balogun scored the opening goal in the USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina before his red card, and today’s reinstatement gives Pochettino his first choice attack for the biggest match of the tournament so far.