Stunned USMNT players found out Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban was overturned on team bus

Jul 5, 2026 - 21:32

Folarin Balogun’s teammates found out his World Cup ban had been sensationally overturned while travelling to practice on the team bus.

The USMNT striker, who has been one of the stars of the summer so far, was set to miss the last-16 tie against Belgium after being sent off in a controversial VAR call in the 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

US forward 20 Folarin Balogun celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the 2026 World Cup Group D football match between USA and Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood — Balogun will play for the US against Belgium after his ban was suspended

An automatic one-game ban usually follows a dismissal, under Article 10.5 of FIFA’s rules for the tournament, and reports in recent days confirmed that teams are unable to appeal.

However, Balogun is set to be available for the clash against Belgium, as his ban has been suspended by FIFA.

“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,” a statement from the governing body confirmed Sunday.

“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.”

News of the decision quickly spread across social media, and players in the US camp had no idea it was coming.

They found out about the change in a ‘special’ moment on the team bus to practice at the University of Washington.

“We were all on the bus, and there was probably 40 different conversations going on,” Chris Richards revealed.

“So we didn’t know what was true and what wasn’t.

“But by the time we got off the bus, it was confirmed. I think there’s been a lot of emotions already this morning before training.

“So overall, I think it was a special moment.”

Folarin Balogun, 20 of the United States leaves the match after receiving a red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1, 2026 — Balogun was sent off after a VAR call in the Round of 32 against Bosnia

Chris Richards 3 and Folarin Balogun 20 of the United States celebrate a goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Australia — Richards described his unexpected return as a special moment

Richards added that he believes Balogun found out at the same time as the rest of the team.

“I think he’s still trying to play the nonchalant card right now. But I think he probably found out the same time as we did,” he explained.

“We had no idea that this was going on. So we were just business as usual.”

News that Balogun had been cleared to play delighted his teammates, with Christian Pulisic admitting there are ‘big smiles’ on American faces heading into the showdown with Belgium.

Clinical Folarin Balogun brings USMNT back to full confidence

“Having him as a presence out there, he does so much,” the forward said.

“He runs off the ball, always gives an option. He’s constantly a threat in behind to score, obviously as a team, it’s a big help.

Christian Pulisic 10 of the United States consoles Folarin Balogun 20 of the United States after he receives a red card for a foul during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 — Pulisic admitted Balogun’s return has put smiles on faces in the US camp

“He’s obviously super happy, man. You want to be able to play in games like this.

“It’s just a big smile on his face and all of ours for him. He deserves it. He’s been training with us, it’s not like he went home he’s still around.

“So we’re just excited to have him back. He’s obviously a big part of this team and a great energy around the squad.”

Richards, meanwhile, suggested Balogun’s return will bring the USMNT back to full confidence ahead of Belgium.

Folarin Balogun, 20 of the United States celebrates after scoring a goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1, 2026 — Balogun has been one of the stars of the World Cup so far

“He brings a lot of pace, a lot of power, obviously,” the defender explained.

“But also, he’s very clinical in the way that he scores goals. So for us, it’s getting him as many chances as possible, because we know that he’s been efficient so far.

“Ultimately, when you go into a game, maybe missing a player, especially an important player like that, maybe you lack maybe one percent of confidence.

“But I think having Flo back, he’s been ready this whole time. He hasn’t missed a beat.”

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