US President Donald Trump expressed gratitude to FIFA after the world football governing body lifted the automatic one-match suspension on striker Folarin Balogun, clearing him to play for the United States in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against Belgium.
Trump Reacts to FIFA Decision
Reacting shortly after FIFA confirmed its decision, Trump wrote on Truth Social, "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!" The president's statement came as the FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced on Sunday that the suspension triggered by Balogun's red card had been suspended for a probationary period of one year.
FIFA Committee's Ruling
In its statement, the committee said, "By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year." This decision allows the forward to feature in Monday's knockout encounter at Seattle Stadium.
Balogun's Red Card Incident
Balogun had been sent off in the 64th minute of the United States' 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. Despite being reduced to 10 men, the co-hosts held on to secure their place in the last 16. The 25-year-old New York-born striker has already scored three goals in the tournament and is expected to lead the line against Belgium.
Boost for Pochettino and US Hopes
The decision comes as a significant boost for head coach Mauricio Pochettino, with Balogun emerging as one of the USA's standout performers at the tournament. His availability strengthens the United States' hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since the 2002 tournament in Korea and Japan.
Historical Context Against Belgium
Their upcoming opponents, Belgium, also carry historical significance for the Americans. The two sides last met in the World Cup in the Round of 16 at Brazil 2014, where Belgium claimed a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory despite an extraordinary display by USA goalkeeper Tim Howard, whose 16 saves remain one of the most memorable individual performances in World Cup history.
With Balogun now eligible to play, the United States will head into Monday's knockout clash with renewed confidence as they seek to rewrite history and secure a long-awaited place in the final eight.
