liveUpdated 3m ago Balogun can play for the U.S. tonight after Trump asked FIFA to review his ban.The Athletic Live TeamJuly 6, 2026 at 2:14 PM EDTBalogun is available to play for the USMNT today. GettyUSMNT vs. Belgium — LatestThe USMNT takes on Belgium tonight in a high-stakes World Cup knockout match that has been overshadowed by a growing dispute over Folarin Balogun’s eligibility.Balogun was sent off in the USMNT’s last match and was initially suspended for today’s game. But The Athletic reported Sunday that FIFA had suspended his punishment, opening the door for him to play today. President Trump later said he had asked FIFA to review the suspension.Belgium subsequently challenged FIFA over Balogun’s eligibility and said today it would take “further actions” after soccer’s governing body upheld its decision, leaving the striker’s involvement shrouded in uncertainty.Follow all of the latest below.Kickoff: 8 p.m. ET, 5 p.m. PTWatch: FOX, Fubo (try for free)Should Balogun play? Join the conversation or email live@theathletic.com Let’s start at the beginning Getty ImagesThis controversy began when Folarin Balogun, the USMNT’s star striker, was shown a straight red card in the 64th minute of the team’s impressive round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a video review of a foul on Tarik Muharemovic.With the U.S. leading 1-0 in the 61st minute, Antonee Robinson played the ball up the left sideline toward Balogun. As Balogun tried to position his body, he landed on the back of Muharemovic’s leg, raking down his calf and onto the defender’s ankle.It did not appear to be intentional, but rather a case of Balogun landing awkwardly. On the slow-motion replay, however, it looked more serious, and there was no doubt he made heavy contact with the defender.After being advised by the VAR to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, referee Raphael Claus announced to Levi’s Stadium that Balogun had committed “serious foul play” and sent him off.Subscribe to The Athletic There is no better time to be a subscriber to The Athletic for all the sporting insight, analysis and live coverage you need during the World Cup and beyond.As well as the ongoing tournament in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, you can get your soccer fix with us for the rest of the year with our Champions League and Premier League coverage, as well as Europe’s top leagues.Meanwhile, the Formula 1 season is in full swing plus we have golf, tennis and more on the cards.Subscribe to The Athletic on an exclusive offer here.How to watch USMNT vs. Belgium Getty ImagesTonight’s match will be broadcast on Fox in the United States and on BBC One in the UK.You can also stream the contest on Fubo (try for free).What time does the action start? Getty ImagesTonight’s last-16 match is scheduled to kick off in Seattle at 8 p.m. ET.That’s a 5 p.m. PT start in Seattle and a 1 a.m. BST start for those of you tuning in from the UK.Welcome to our USMNT vs. Belgium coverage Getty ImagesHello and welcome to our live coverage of the USMNT’s World Cup knockout match against Belgium, a game that has been overshadowed by the growing controversy over Folarin Balogun’s overturned suspension.Balogun, who has scored three goals at this tournament, received a straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday for a foul on defender Tarik Muharemovic. Under Article 10.5 of FIFA’s tournament rules, that sanction carries an automatic one-game suspension.The Athletic revealed yesterday, however, that Balogun is set to be available for tonight’s game at Lumen Field in Seattle after his ban was suspended.President Donald Trump then confirmed Monday that he had asked FIFA to review Balogun’s one-match suspension at the World Cup. “That wasn’t a foul, that wasn’t even an infraction,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.Amid the controversy, there is also the small matter of a World Cup knockout match. The U.S. is attempting to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002, and for only the second time in its history.Stay with us as we bring you all the buildup to tonight’s match, as well as the latest on the Balogun controversy.