The United States will field striker Folarin Balogun in Monday’s World Cup last‑16 encounter with Belgium in Seattle, despite having been sent off in the group‑stage victory over Bosnia.
Red card confirmed after VAR review
Balogun’s dismissal came after he planted his boot into the ankle of Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic, a challenge that was initially deemed dangerous but was only upgraded to a red after a video‑assistant referee review.
Coach Mauricio Pochettino protested the decision, insisting the incident did not merit a sending‑off, but the Disciplinary Committee’s ruling stood.
FIFA subsequently suspended the sanction for a probationary year, meaning Balogun can play provided he avoids a repeat of the offence; a second infraction would reactivate the ban.
Madibo’s ban
In a separate incident, Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo was handed a five‑match suspension for a tackle that caused serious injury to Canada’s Ismael Kone, adding to the tournament’s disciplinary narrative.
Balogun, who netted his third goal of the competition in the 2‑0 victory over Bosnia, will now be available for selection, giving the U.S. side a boost as they aim to advance.