Folarin Balogun set to play for United States in World Cup clash as red card suspended

Folarin Balogun will be available to play for the United States in their World Cup clash against Belgium, talkSPORT understands.

The striker was due to miss the last 16 fixture on July 6 (1am UK time on July 7) after being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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Balogun was dismissed during the second half of the 2-0 victory for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic.

Even though it did not appear to be intentional it looked ugly in replays and he was shown a straight red.

It’s understood that Balogun can play against Belgium as he has been given a suspended one-match ban.

FIFA sources insisted that US Soccer had no appeal, and sources say they did not attempt one as a result.

However, Balogun looks set to return in what will be a massive boost for the World Cup co-hosts.

A statement from US Soccer said: “We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow.

“Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans.

FIFA said: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed the following sanction on United States national-team player Folarin Balogun, who was sent off as a result of a direct red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina played on 1 July 2026 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium:

“One-match suspension for breaches of articles 14 and 66 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC).

“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.

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“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.”

United States on dream World Cup run

As one of the three co-hosts, the United States hoped to make a statement at the World Cup this summer.

They did just that in their opening 4-1 win over Paraguay, before a 2-0 win against Australia sent them into the last 32.

Only a late 3-2 defeat to Turkey could spoil their run of form.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side then showed their class against Bosnia and Herzegovina to confirm their last 16 status.

A win against Belgium in Seattle would send them into the quarter-finals for just the second time ever.

The winners of Portugal v Spain will meet them there if so.