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American World Cup star Folarin Balogun will be able to play against Belgium in the round of 16 on Monday after all, following the outcry over the red card he received against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Balogun received a red card after stepping on the foot of Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic. The red card was given after Brazilian referee Raphael Claus stopped the match for a VAR review to determine whether Balogun had committed a serious foul.
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Folarin Balogun of the United States of America leaves the field after receiving a red card during the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 32 match between the United States of America and Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, 2026 at San Francisco Bay Stadium in Santa Clara, California. (Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
It was decided that Balogun had done it and he was expelled.
The Athletic, which first reported Balogun’s playing status on Sunday, noted that part of FIFA’s disciplinary code states that “the judicial body may decide to totally or partially suspend the application of a disciplinary measure.”
“If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another offense of similar nature and seriousness during the probationary period, the suspension will be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction executed without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new offense,” adds the regulation.
FOX Sports has confirmed that Balogun will be able to play. The report said the play should not have been reported to Claus.
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Folarin Balogun (20) of the United States and Christian Pulisic (10) of the United States stand nearby after Balogun received a red card during the FIFA World Cup round of 32 match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, California, near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
FIFA confirmed the suspension was suspended for a one-year probationary period.
“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” US Soccer said. “All our attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our incredible fans.”
Balogun scored against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He spoke to reporters on Friday about the red card.
“First of all, it was completely unintentional, which I’m sure a lot of people know. But, you know, I think the referee’s choice was, of course, his choice, but I don’t think it was the right decision,” he said. “I think a yellow card would have been fair because it wasn’t intentional. There aren’t many places I can put my foot in such a scenario. But it happened, and it’s something I have to accept and move on.
“There were a lot of different emotions. I was overwhelmed, I was happy, it was surreal to be honest,” he added. “But for me it was just important to stay calm. I never want to react out of anger or emotion. We still inspire a lot of people. Little kids, boys and girls look up to us. We have to show them the right way to handle things even if you think it’s unfair, so I felt like I did that. I’m happy with the support, not just from me but from the team. I think we’re all looking forward to seeing what we can do against Belgium.”
US Soccer had no way of appealing this decision. Article 9.6 of the 2026 World Cup regulations states: “No challenge may be made against the decisions of the referee concerning facts relating to the game. Such decisions are final and without appeal, unless otherwise provided in the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”
Folarin Balogun of the United States celebrates after scoring the first goal during the FIFA World Cup round of 32 match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
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“If a player or team official is sent off following a direct or indirect red card (second warning), he will be automatically suspended from his team’s next match,” adds article 10.5.
