United States Faces Belgium in World Cup Round of 16 After FIFA Suspends Balogun Ban

The United States men's national soccer team meets Belgium in the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday at Lumen Field in Seattle. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. The match comes five days after the United States defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in the round of 32.

That result marked the team's first World Cup knockout-round victory in 24 years. The United States last reached the quarterfinals in 2002. FIFA's Disciplinary Committee suspended the automatic one-match ban Folarin Balogun received for a red card in the Bosnia game.

The committee cited article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and placed the suspension on probation for one year. President Donald Trump had urged FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, to review the case less than 48 hours before the Belgium match. United States coach Mauricio Pochettino said the decision was fair.

"It's fair, the decision, not to punish us more because I think it was enough. And now we focus on the game," he said on Sunday. He added that similar suspensions had occurred before in the tournament.

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia questioned the ruling. "I didn't know that in the offices of FIFA, the fifth of July was the first of April in Europe," he said through a translator. He stated that the Belgian federation defends the integrity and ethics of football.

The United States finished first in Group D with six points after wins over Paraguay and Australia and a loss to Turkiye. Belgium topped Group G with five points after a draw with Egypt, a draw with Iran, and a win over New Zealand. Belgium then defeated Senegal 3-2 in extra time in the round of 32.

The winner of Monday's match faces either Portugal or Spain in the quarterfinals in Los Angeles on Friday, July 10.