What happened: FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun’s automatic one-match ban, making him eligible for the United States’ World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium. The sanction will remain suspended during a one-year probationary period.
Why it matters: The decision restores the U.S. attack’s leading scorer for a win-or-go-home match. Belgium’s federation is examining its options after objecting to the ruling.
By the numbers: Balogun has scored three goals at the tournament. His suspended sanction carries a one-year probationary period.
What to watch: The United States faces Belgium on Monday in Seattle. Any similar offense during Balogun’s probation could reactivate the suspension and bring an additional sanction.