Home/Articles/MLB
MLB·July 3, 2026 03:00 PM ET

FIFA confirms Balogun one-game suspension; USMNT to be honored at Mariners game

Balogun will miss USMNT's Round of 16 opener.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 31 min read
Post on X
SEA
Seattle MarinersMLB
USMNT updates: FIFA confirms one-game suspension for Folarin Balogun. Team will be honored before the Mariners game to

What happened: FIFA has confirmed a one-game suspension for forward Folarin Balogun. The U.S. men's national team will be honored before tonight's Seattle Mariners game, with manager Mauricio Pochettino expected to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Why it matters: The ban rules Balogun out of the United States' Round of 16 match, costing Pochettino a central attacking option as the knockout stage begins. It follows Balogun's red card after his opening goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina, turning a standout group-stage moment into a costly absence at the worst possible time.

What to watch: Watch how Pochettino reshapes his attack without Balogun for the Round of 16, and whether the striker returns for a potential quarterfinal.

Sources

More on Seattle Mariners

CONVERSATION
Loading comments…
MLBBreakingUnited StatesSeattle MarinersFolarin Balogun
Follow MLB Intelligence
Real-time signals and analysis
@WireReportMLB
WR Pro
The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.
$9/monthFree weekly newsletter →
RELATED STORIES
← Back to Wire Report