What happened: FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun’s automatic one-match ban under Article 27 of its disciplinary code. Balogun is cleared for Tuesday’s World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium in Seattle.
Why it matters: The decision restores the United States’ starting striker for a knockout match. Balogun will serve a one-year probationary period, with a similar offense potentially activating the suspended sanction and triggering further discipline.
By the numbers: Balogun has scored three goals at the 2026 World Cup, including the opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina before his straight red card.
What to watch: Watch whether Balogun returns directly to the starting lineup against Belgium. Any similar disciplinary offense during the next year could reinstate the ban.