The USMNT is a day away from playing Belgium in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The match will be played at Seattle Stadium, and the matchup is fairly even based on both teams' performances so far.
Belgium defeated Senegal 3-2 in the Round of 32 after extra time to reach this stage, while the USMNT defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the previous round.
One of the downsides of the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina is the red card that Folarin Balogun received for stepping on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic's ankle.
The American striker was set to miss the match against Belgium as he would face a one-game suspension due to the red card.
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
New reports from The Athletic suggest that Balogun will be available to play in the USMNT's match against Belgium in the Round of 16
Why Folarin Balogun Will No Longer Be Suspended
Whenever a player receives a straight red card at the 2026 World Cup, the sanction will automatically be accompanied by a one-game suspension under Article 10.5 of FIFA’s rules for the tournament.
The Athletic's Dan Sheldon and Adam Crafton report that FIFA officials told them that the USMNT or any other team was not able to appeal a decision like a red card, but the judicial body will have the ability to 'fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.'
Sources of The Athletic were told that Balogun's one-game red-card ban is now suspended. According to former FIFA referee Christina Unkel, FIFA is 'not required to explain their decision' since they can suspend the ban.
The red card was a big controversy following the USMNT vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina match last week, and even USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino was confused by the decision.
Pochettino said, "For me? Never a red card. Never an intention to step on the player. It was a normal action in football that happened by accident."
Balogun is expected to start the game for Team USA against Belgium; Balogun is the top goalscorer of the USMNT with three goals at the 2026 World Cup so far.
