SEATTLE — The FIFA Disciplinary Commission confirmed that U.S. men's national team forward Folarin Balogun is eligible to play against Belgium, conditionally lifting his one-match suspension on July 5, 2026. Balogun is scheduled to play on Monday, July 6, in Seattle.

Balogun faced an automatic one-match suspension after receiving a direct red card on July 1 during the U.S.'s 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 16. He was expelled in the 64th minute following a VAR review and was cited for stepping on the ankle of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic. FIFA classified Balogun's action as serious foul play.

FIFA applied Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which allows its judicial body to suspend the execution of a disciplinary sanction during a probationary period. The FIFA Disciplinary Commission stated that "the execution of the one-match suspension is suspended during a one-year probationary period." The red card will remain on Balogun's disciplinary record. If he commits another similar infraction during the one-year probationary period, the suspension will be applied immediately along with any new punishment.

The U.S. Soccer Federation stated in a press release, "We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Commission and are pleased that Folarin Balogun can compete tomorrow." The federation added, "Our full attention is on the round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle and we look forward to continuing to count on the support of our incredible fans." Head coach Mauricio Pochettino leads the U.S. men's national team.

Balogun, 25, has scored three goals in four matches in the tournament, including scoring in the first half against Bosnia and Herzegovina before his expulsion. In November 2025, the FIFA Disciplinary Commission converted the remaining two matches of Cristiano Ronaldo's three-match suspension into a one-year probationary period. Ronaldo had received a direct red card for an elbow against the Republic of Ireland during a World Cup qualifying match and served one match of his suspension against Armenia. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, "Thanks to FIFA for doing the right thing and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP."