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FIFA Lifts Balogun Red Card Suspension for U.S. World Cup Match
FIFA converted Folarin Balogun's red card suspension into a one-year probation, clearing the U.S. striker to play against Belgium in the Round of 16. The decision was confirmed hours before the team's final training session on July 5, 2026.
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FIFA converted Folarin Balogun's red card suspension from the Round of 32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina into a one-year probationary period, allowing the U.S. striker to play in Monday's Round of 16 match against Belgium. The news reached the team through social media while the bus traveled to the University of Washington campus for the final training session.
Players initially questioned the reports until U.S. Soccer confirmed the decision.
Freeman said the squad learned of the change that morning and immediately prepared for the match. Chris Richards noted the team verified the information through official channels after seeing it online. Christian Pulisic described seeing Balogun smile upon hearing the news and said the forward's availability would provide a boost for the Belgium game.
Former athletes and media figures posted reactions on social media. NFL players Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, J.J. Watt, George Kittle, Chase Daniel and Robert Griffin III, along with MLB's CC Sabathia, Knicks player Josh Hart, and broadcasters Kay Adams, Colin Cowherd, Dan Orlovsky, Taylor Twellman and Pat McAfee, shared messages supporting the decision.
The Seattle Mariners and Merriam-Webster also posted reactions. The volume of commentary from sports figures shifted online discussion toward the U.S. team's upcoming match.
