The USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun will participate in the upcoming Round of 16 match against Belgium. This decision follows a red card incident during a previous match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun received a red card after stepping on the foot of Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic. The match was paused for a VAR review by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, who determined the foul to be severe.
Folarin Balogun of the USA walks off the field after receiving a red card in Santa Clara, California. (Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Athletic first reported Balogun’s clearance to play, referencing FIFA’s disciplinary code. This code allows the judicial body to suspend a disciplinary measure fully or partially. The rule states that if the sanctioned person commits another similar offense during probation, the suspension is revoked.
FOX Sports confirmed the decision and noted the play should not have been flagged for review.
United States’ Folarin Balogun stands by after receiving a red card during a World Cup match in California. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
FIFA confirmed Balogun’s suspension is suspended for one year. U.S. Soccer expressed satisfaction with the decision, focusing on the upcoming game against Belgium in Seattle.
Balogun, who scored in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, spoke about the incident, stating it was unintentional. He believes the referee’s choice of a red card was incorrect, suggesting a yellow card would have sufficed.
Despite the emotional rollercoaster, Balogun emphasized the importance of calmness and setting a positive example for viewers, especially young fans.
U.S. Soccer couldn’t appeal the ruling due to Article 9.6 of the 2026 World Cup regulations. This article states that protests about referee decisions related to play are final unless specified in the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
United States’ Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring a goal against Bosnia in California. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
As per Article 10.5, a player suspended due to a red card is banned from the next match.