sports
FIFA Suspends One-Match Ban for U.S. Striker Ahead of Last-16 Match
FIFA suspended the automatic one-match ban for a U.S. forward shown a red card in the round of 32. The Belgian football association said it is reviewing options over the decision.
FI
washingtonpost.comAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
FIFA suspended the one-match ban that would have kept a U.S. striker out of the team's World Cup last-16 match against Belgium. The suspension applies for one year under article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code. The forward received a straight red card during a 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina after his boot made contact with an opponent's ankle.
Post by @FirstSquawk on X
Video review led the referee to issue the card in the 64th minute.
"In line with article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year," FIFA said in its statement. "If the player commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked." No further explanation was provided for the decision beyond the cited rule.
The Royal Belgian Football Association said it is "astonished" by the ruling and is "investigating all potential options." It noted that every previous red card at the tournament had resulted in an automatic suspension and called the move a "direct contradiction" of regulations reaffirmed to teams in May.
A U.S. player told reporters the squad learned of the suspension on the team bus Sunday and described the forward as "super happy." The same player called the original foul "harsh." U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that FIFA had reversed "a great injustice." U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also called for a review of the red-card decision during a news conference.
FIFA previously suspended the remainder of a three-match ban for Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the 2026 tournament after he was sent off in qualifying. In contrast, a Qatar midfielder received a five-match ban earlier in this competition for a challenge that broke an opponent's leg.
