SEATTLE – The U.S. Men’s National Team’s leading FIFA World Cup 2026 goalscorer Folarin Balogun will be available for selection in Monday’s Round of 16 match against Belgium. The forward was previously set to serve a one-match suspension after receiving a red card in the Round of 32 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The development is a result of FIFA’s implementation of article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code in which FIFA’s judicial bodies utilized their authority to suspend the disciplinary sanction handed down to Balogun following his sending-off in the USMNT’s last match.
This morning, FIFA issued the following statement, which was shared by The Athletic:
"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. 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."
U.S. Soccer this morning issued the following statement in response:
“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.”
For tomorrow, a near-full-strength USMNT side will face an experienced Belgium side at Seattle Stadium in a do-or-die fixture. The match is set for 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET and will be carried on FOX and Telemundo.
