FIFA Lifts Balogan's Ban, Clears Him For World Cup
US striker Folarin Balogun's automatic World Cup suspension has been lifted and replaced with a one-year probation, clearing him to play in the Round of 16 against Belgium on July 6, 2026.
FIFA has confirmed that US striker Folarin Balogun's automatic match ban has been suspended and replaced with a one-year probation period, allowing him to return for the United States in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Balogun received a red card in the Round of 32 match where the US defeated Bosnia 2-0 after the referee reviewed a collision with Tarik Muharemović and deemed it dangerous play. Under normal circumstances, the 25-year-old striker would have been automatically suspended from the next match.
However, FIFA announced that "pursuant to Article 27 of FIFA's Disciplinary Committee regulations, the automatic ban enforcement for US national team player Folarin Balogun has been suspended for a one-year probationary period. Should he commit another offense of similar nature and severity during this probation period, the penalty will be enforced immediately without consolidating with any additional penalties for the new offense."
US President Donald Trump posted on social media saying, "Thank you FIFA for doing the right thing and correcting this major injustice!"
Following FIFA's statement, Balogun is cleared to play for the United States in the Round of 16 match against Belgium on July 6. The penalty will not take effect as long as he does not repeat the same offense within the one-year probation period.
