U.S. star Folarin Balogun eligible to play vs. Belgium after FIFA suspends red card ban

BREAKING NEWSJul. 5, 2026, 5:19 PM UTCWorld CupWorld CupU.S. star Folarin Balogun eligible to play vs. Belgium after FIFA suspends red card banBalogun was shown a controversial red during the U.S.’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina to start the knockout stage and was initially not allowed to play in the round of 16.Add NBC News to GoogleWorld Cup red card controversy01:19Get more newsLiveonShareAdd NBC News to GoogleBy Rohan Nadkarni and Greg RosensteinUnited States striker Folarin Balogun has been reinstated for the team’s round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday after earning a red card in the previous round, FIFA announced Sunday. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscriptionGet exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading.Balogun was shown a controversial red during the U.S.’s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina to start the knockout stage. He was given the card after replay review showed him inadvertently stepping on the back of the leg of a Bosnia and Herzegovina player.A red card typically means a player is not only sent off in the match he’s playing in, but suspended for the following one. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee reviewed Balogun’s foul and decided to suspend the suspension. “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,” read the FIFA Disciplinary Committee statement. “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.”In a statement to NBC News, U.S. soccer said it was “pleased” that Balogun would be available for the team’s next match. “We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete [Monday],” said the statement. “Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match...