Folarin Balogun will suit up for the United States Men’s National Team against Belgium after FIFA reversed course and lifted his one-match suspension. The decision, confirmed on July 5, 2026, removes what would have been a massive blow to a US squad navigating the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in over two decades.
From red card to reinstatement
Balogun picked up a straight red card during the USMNT’s round-of-16 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 2-3. Under standard FIFA regulations, that meant an automatic one-match ban, which would have sidelined him for the Belgium fixture.
Balogun scored a brace during the group stage, establishing himself as one of the tournament’s breakout performers. The AS Monaco forward’s ability to stretch defenses and finish in tight spaces has been central to America’s deep run.
The $BALOGUN meme token and prediction market frenzy
