Folarin Balogun is available for the United States’ World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium after FIFA suspended the enforcement of his red-card ban.
The decision clears the forward to remain in the Americans’ attack for the knockout match. Balogun leads the Americans in goals at the tournament, making his availability a significant lineup development for the United States.
Balogun had been sent off in the round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina after stepping on the foot of Tarik Muharemović. FIFA reviewed the sanction and announced that the match suspension would not be immediately enforced.
FIFA said the suspension is now subject to a probationary period. If Balogun commits another infringement of similar nature and gravity during that period, the suspended sanction can be reinstated, with any additional punishment for the new incident handled separately.
The ruling comes with the United States preparing for Belgium in SEATTLE, where the Americans are trying to extend their World Cup run beyond the round of 16.
The United States has not reached the quarterfinals since 2002. The Americans exited in the round of 16 against Ghana in 2010, Belgium in 2014 and the Netherlands in 2022.
The recent World Cup history also includes a group-stage exit in 2006 and the failure to qualify for the 2018 tournament. Balogun’s availability gives the United States its leading scorer for another attempt to move past a stage that has stopped the Americans repeatedly.