FIFA Upholds Folarin Balogun's Suspension, Can Return For Quarterfinals

U.S. soccer fans have been hoping and praying for the last 36 hours that FIFA might overturn the suspension for USMNT leading scorer Folarin Balogun.

by Tzvi Machlin

Jul 3, 2026

Folarin Balogun on the pitch.

U.S. soccer fans have been hoping and praying for the last 36 hours that FIFA might overturn the suspension for USMNT leading scorer Folarin Balogun. On Friday, FIFA made its final decision on the star striker.

According to soccer reporter Tom Bogert, FIFA has confirmed that Balogun's suspension will be for just one game. He will serve the suspension when the U.S. take on Belgium in the Round of 16 and will be eligible to play in the quarterfinals if they advance.

"FIFA confirms: Folarin Balogun’s suspension is just one game. FIFA won’t be adding more games to the red card. If the U.S. advances to quarterfinal, Balogun will be back," Bogert wrote on X.

On the plus side, it has not been extended, as some feared it might.

The Incident

Balogun's controversial red card during the United States' 2-0 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1, has become one of the tournament's most debated officiating decisions. Balogun scored the opening goal before being sent off in the 64th minute after challenging for a loose ball and inadvertently landing on the ankle of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic.

July 1, 2026; Santa Clara, California, U.S.; Folarin Balogun of the U.S. is consoled by Giovanni Reyna and Timothy Weah after receiving a red card. Mandatory Credit: Carlos Barria-Reuters via Imagn Images

Referee Raphael Claus initially allowed play to continue, but after a VAR review, upgraded the incident to a straight red card for serious foul play. Many analysts, former referees, players, and fans argued the contact appeared accidental rather than reckless, fueling widespread criticism of the decision.

The decision has also sparked frustration throughout the U.S., with teammates, broadcasters, and prominent athletes questioning the consistency of VAR officiating. Despite playing the final half-hour with 10 men, the Americans held on for a 2-0 victory to advance to the knockout stage, but they will now be without one of their top attacking threats against Belgium.

With three goals this World Cup, Balogun was on pace to break the team's record for the most goals scored for the U.S. in a single World Cup, or even across multiple World Cups.

Now, it will the team managing to win the biggest game of their lives without him to even continue the run.