Folarin Balogun is confirmed available for USMNT vs Belgium on Monday after FIFA suspended his one-game red card ban on Sunday morning, clearing the USA’s leading scorer for the biggest match of this World Cup 2026 run.
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Will Folarin Balogun Play For USMNT vs Belgium Today?
Folarin Balogun will start for the USMNT in today’s World Cup knockout match against Belgium after his red card suspension was officially overturned.
The dismissal originally stemmed from a late VAR review of a studs-down challenge on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemović in the second half of the Round of 32.
Under official FIFA protocols, the video assistant referee should not have intervened at that stage of the incident.
FIFA has therefore invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code, suspending the automatic one-match ban and placing it on a 12-month probationary period instead.
Balogun’s Tournament Form Makes Him Key For USMNT
Folarin Balogun has scored three goals at this World Cup, including a clinical brace against Paraguay and the opening goal against Bosnia before his red card.
He is the USMNT’s top scorer and the central figure in their entire attacking setup.
His sharp movement constantly creates space for Christian Pulisic and the supporting midfield runners.
Once his clearance was confirmed, the betting market for the USA vs Belgium match shifted noticeably in America’s favor.
Without him, this Round of 16 tie against a disciplined Belgian defense was considered far more difficult.
Belgian & UEFA Fury Won’t Change Decision
Belgium’s football federation said it was “astonished” by the ruling, while UEFA accused FIFA of crossing a “red line” and threatening the integrity of the competition.
Belgium formally challenged Balogun’s eligibility, but FIFA dismissed the appeal before kickoff.
The controversy has added significant extra tension to an already massive World Cup Round of 16 showdown at Lumen Field in Seattle tonight.
