FIFA Overturns Folarin Balogun's Punishment Before Round of 16

FIFA has apparently decided to overturn Folarin Balogun's red card punishment, heading into Monday night's Round of 16 game against Belgium.

Balogun, U.S.'s top striker and goal scorer, was kicked out of Wednesday night's win over Bosnia. Balogun received a very controversial red card for a hit to the calf of a Bosnian player during a fight for the ball. U.S. sports fans were outraged at the controversial call, which was made following VAR review.

Now, days later - and a little more than 24 hours away from kickoff on Monday evening - the red card penalty has been overturned.

Balogun will be available to play as the U.S look to secure a spot in the Round of 8 in the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup.

FIFA has decided to "suspend" Balogun's punishment.

"The 25-year-old received a straight red card on against Bosnia and Herzegovina for a foul on defender Tarik Muharemovic, a sanction which is automatically accompanied by a one-game suspension under Article 10.5 of FIFA's rules for the tournament," The Athletic reported.

"Multiple FIFA officials told The Athletic after the game that a team is not able to appeal against a red card or the subsequent suspension.

"However, Balogun is set to be available to face Rudi Garcia's side as his suspension has been suspended."

Soccer fans stunned by the development

U.S. soccer fans can't believe it.

"Huge news for USMNT- Flo Balogun is now available for tomorrow's round of 16 match against Belgium," one wrote.

"WOW… this is hugeeeely significant, I can't quite believe it? I mean… wow," another added.

"Don't ever tell me there isn't corruption in this sport," one fan added.

"This won't be great for the FIFA RIGGED allegations but I am smiling ear-to-ear," another fan added.

"Extraordinary but so predictable," one fan added.

The U.S. and Belgium are set to kick off at 8 p.m. E.T. on Monday evening. The game will air on FOX.

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This story was originally published July 5, 2026 at 9:37 AM.