FIFA lifts Balogun's ban, Trump lauds move before US‑Belgium tie

FIFA has turned Folarin Balogun's one‑match suspension into a conditional ban, meaning the United States striker remains eligible for the round‑of‑16 clash with Belgium in Seattle on Monday night (02:00 CET). The decision arrives after the American forward received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Balogun opened the Bosnia match by scoring the 1‑0 winner before being sent off in the 64th minute. He received the red card after a hard challenge on Tarik Muharemovic's right ankle.

Under the original ruling, the American would have missed the next game. FIFA, however, revised the punishment to a conditional suspension, allowing him to be selected for the upcoming fixture.

President Donald Trump praised the reversal on social media. “Thanks to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” he wrote.

Balogun has already netted three goals at the tournament, adding strikes against Paraguay and Australia. He sat out the final group game versus Turkey, as the United States had already secured qualification.

The United States will face Belgium in Seattle, with kickoff slated for 02:00 CET on Monday. The victor will meet either Portugal or Spain in the quarter‑finals.