Pochettino noted that he was not personally involved in the process to overturn Balogun’s red card. “The Federation was working very hard,” Pochettino said during his pre-match press conference. “JT (Batson, the chief executive of U.S. Soccer) and the whole Federation were trying to defend our situation. I was not involved and focused on the team preparing for Belgium.

“This is good for soccer, to celebrate. If in the next game an unfair thing happens, you can reverse the decision. From a decision that is slow motion, which is not the reality of what happened on the pitch.” The manager also celebrated having Balogun available for the high-stakes clash. “My reaction is like everyone’s. I love the sport and trust the ethical integrity of it. We celebrate the decision.”

Why was Balogun sent off?

Against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balogun scored the opener for the U.S., but he was shown a red card in the 64th minute following a lengthy VAR review for a hard challenge on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic. Despite the ejection, the U.S. held on to see out a 2-0 victory.

Keeping Balogun on the pitch is vital as the U.S. are trying to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time since 2002. If the Americans beat Belgium on Monday, they will face the winner of the Round of 16 matchup between Spain and Portugal.

Rudi Garcia’s comments

To provide more context, Rudi Garcia was visibly upset by FIFA’s actions and the ultimate decision. “I didn’t know that at the World Cup the 5th of July is actually the first of April. It’s April Fools,” Garcia told reporters, taking a sarcastic jab at the situation. “We’re not defending the national team or federation, we are defending soccer.”

Interestingly, the reversal was a solo move by soccer’s governing body; under FIFA regulations, the USA were actually barred from filing an official appeal to begin with. Despite his clear frustration, Garcia insisted that Belgium remain entirely locked in on the task at hand, regardless of who features for the Americans.

“Anyway, I’m the coach, so I’m going to focus on my team and the match — it doesn’t matter who makes up the USA’s starting lineup,” Garcia added. “What matters to me is the pitch, my team, winning, and reaching the quarterfinals.”

“I didn’t know that at the World Cup the 5th of July is actually the first of April. It’s April Fools,” the manager said to the press. “We’re not defending the national team or federation, we are defending football.”

Balogun had been sent off during the USA’s Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina after VAR review following a challenge on an opponent. After an exhaustive review, the striker will ultimately be available for Mauricio Pochettino in the Round of 16.

Belgium were astonished by FIFA after reversing Balogun’s one-game suspension. The AS Monaco striker has scored three goals in the World Cup so far, making his impact on the team crucial. Now, this Round of 16 clash is heating up well before it even begins.

Belgium’s measured protest

Belgium and Garcia made it clear that they’re completely upset with FIFA’s decision, suggesting that the World Cup game is being affected by a controversial situation.

Due to FIFA regulations, the USA was not allowed to appeal this decision. As a result, the decision to overturn the player’s sending-off was entirely made by soccer’s governing body.

Even so, Garcia also let everyone know that Belgium will focus on getting the job done: “Anyway, I’m the coach, so I’m going to focus on my team and the match — it doesn’t matter who makes up the USA’s starting lineup. What matters to me is the pitch, my team, winning, and reaching the quarterfinals.”

Pulisic defended FIFA’s decision according to Steven Goff: “It was extremely harsh. If you want to call it justice, call it whatever. We were prepared to play without him. We’ve been granted this opportunity to have him. I’m mostly just happy for him, seeing that smile on his face. He deserves to be playing.”

FIFA announced Sunday, July 5, that Balogun will be reinstated for the United States’ game against Belgium despite being given a red card in the team’s Round of 32 game against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Now, the USA will have that duo back together, generating plenty of hope as Pulisic and Balogun look to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Belgium manager Rudi Garcia blasted FIFA for lifting Balogun’s suspension.

Why was Folarin Balogun facing suspension?

Balogun was given a red card in the United States‘ Round of 32 matchup against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which the U.S. won 2-0. The red card came after Balogun was fighting for the ball against Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic early in the second half of the game. Balogun ended up stepping on Muharemovic’s ankle, which wounded Muharemovic and prompted the red card.

A red card is normally granted only when something is deemed ‘serious foul play.’ Many fans and experts who watched the play believe the red card was unjustified, requesting fans to appeal for it to be overturned. However, the USA did not file an appeal because it is actually not allowed, meaning FIFA decided to overturn the ruling completely on its own—a very rare occurrence in a World Cup.

FIFA’s statement

FIFA mentioned Article 27 of their disciplinary code in their statement, writing: “In line with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.“

However, Balogun is not totally out of the woods. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee continued, “If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”

“The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA–Belgium match,” the statement read. “FIFA bases its decision on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

“This provision states that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may decide to suspend the enforcement of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction. However, Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team’s next match, as has been the case for all previous red cards issued during this FIFA World Cup.

“Furthermore, and irrespective of the above, the decision is in direct contradiction with the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, as set out in Article 10.5: ‘If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.’

Belgium want to be treated fairly

Going up against the main host country of the 2026 World Cup, Belgium may be favorites on paper, but they know just how steep a climb they are in for regardless. The fact that Balogun received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina meant the USMNT’s leading goalscorer would miss the Round of 16 game.

Although the USA couldn’t appeal Balogun’s red card, his suspension was reversed just one day before the game at Seattle Stadium. Not only does it change Belgium coach Rudi Garcia’s game plan, but it also raises concerns for the Red Devils. Shortly after Belgium’s statement, Rudi Garcia blasted FIFA for overturning Balogun’s ban.

Would the suspension have been overturned if the affected party had been another national team? There is no definitive answer to that, but Belgium can draw its own conclusions. Needless to say, the Belgians won’t stand with their arms crossed, even if Christian Pulisic defends FIFA’s decision to cancel Balogun’s suspension.

Belgium make their case

“The automatic nature of such a suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on 12 May 2026. The same rule is reiterated at every FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Coordination Meeting prior to each match and is included in all FIFA World Cup 2026 workshop presentations,” Belgium’s soccer association argued in their statement.

“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options.”

Things are heating up before USMNT vs. Belgium

Although the Belgian announcement will likely have no effect on the reversed suspension, it does add another layer to an elimination game that is shaping up to be must-watch television. The Stars and Stripes will host Belgium with a ticket to the quarterfinals on the line, and with Balogun available to Mauricio Pochettino, the odds change significantly.

It’s anyone’s game. If Balogun ends up being the difference, expect this controversial chapter in FIFA World Cup history to extend well beyond the final whistle.

According to FIFA, governing body officials opted to provisionally lift the ban by invoking Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which stipulates that “the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.” The decision immediately drew a response from Belgium, who are astonished by FIFA’s announcement on Balogun’s sudden availability.

“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed the following sanction on United States national-team player Folarin Balogun, who was sent off as a result of a direct red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina played on 1 July 2026 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium: One-match suspension for breaches of articles 14 and 66 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC),” FIFA stated in its initial ruling.

However, the committee subsequently clarified the legal loophole that clears Balogun to take the pitch against Belgium: “In line with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.

“If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.“

Has this ever happened before in World Cup history?

Despite the shocking nature of FIFA’s ruling, this is far from the first time a high-profile suspension controversy has rocked the World Cup stage. Back in 1962, Brazilian icon Garrincha faced a mandatory ban after receiving a red card in the semifinals. However, in an unprecedented move, tournament officials ultimately rescinded the sanction, clearing the legendary winger to play—and win—the final with Brazil.

A more recent precedent occurred during the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup involving Cristiano Ronaldo. After picking up a straight red card for an elbow against the Republic of Ireland, the Portuguese talisman faced a potential multi-match ban that threatened to bleed into the tournament itself.

Instead, Ronaldo served a standard one-game suspension during Portugal’s regular-season qualifying finale, a match where his squad didn’t miss a beat, routing Armenia 9-1 to punch their ticket to North America.

A massive boost for the USMNT ahead of Belgium clash

With Balogun officially cleared to return for the upcoming showdown against Belgium, the United States secure a massive tactical edge ahead of the Round of 16. Of course, it didn’t sit well with Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia, who blasted FIFA for clearing Balogun to play.

The dynamic striker remains a foundational piece of head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s attacking blueprint, and his presence drastically elevates the USMNT‘s ceiling in this high-stakes knockout match.

He is expected to slot right back into a frontline alongside talisman Christian Pulisic, who previously spoke out in defense of his teammate following the initial booking.

The decision, confirmed after a VAR review, immediately ruled him out of the next match and left the USMNT facing a major attacking adjustment ahead of a critical knockout fixture.

FIFA regulations don’t allow appeals for red cards issued for “serious foul play,” which is the category applied in Balogun’s case after replays showed contact involving an apparent stomp on an opponent’s ankle.

The U.S. finished the match with 10 men but still secured victory, managing the final stretch without their forward. However, Balogun’s absence now forces head coach Mauricio Pochettino to consider alternatives for the Belgium showdown, with options including Ricardo Pepi, Haji Wright, or a tactical shift involving Christian Pulisic, who lamented Folarin Balogun’s red card, in a central attacking role.

Can the USA handle Belgium without Folarin Balogun?

With everything it means for the USA that Folarin Balogun got a red card, the USMNT still have a realistic chance of reaching the quarterfinals without him, but the challenge against Belgium becomes significantly tougher.

Even though Balogun is the team’s top scorer at this World Cup with three goals, Mauricio Pochettino’s tactical approach and the squad’s physical profile point toward a tightly contested matchup.

“Yeah, we had to dig deep for that one. We put on such a good performance and didn’t deserve the red card. I mean, I didn’t see it, but it’s unfortunate. But for us to dig in deep like that, and just to get another goal, and to defend the way we did, it took a real team effort. So we’re proud of that,“ Pulisic told reporters postgame, directly addressing the adversity the team faced immediately following Balogun’s costly red card.

Now, the Americans fully pivot their attention to a heavyweight clash with Belgium, a high-stakes battle with a coveted spot in the quarterfinals on the line. Navigating that challenge will be doubly difficult, as the squad must now find a way to replace Balogun‘s elite offensive production due to his automatic suspension.

What’s next for the USMNT in the 2026 World Cup?

Fueled by immense hope and manager Mauricio Pochettino’s post-game rallying cry—”Why not us?”—the United States is dared to dream of hoisting the trophy for the first time in history as they turn their attention to a massive knockout clash against Belgium.

With the date and venue locked in, the USMNT now has a five-day window to draw up a game plan for a dangerous Belgian squad that just punched its ticket to the next round following a grueling, 3-2 extra-time thriller over Senegal.

James took to social media to hype up the 24-year-old striker’s signature celebration. “Let’s f*** go!” James posted. “THE [silencer celebration] HAS [arrived] at the World Cup! Hell of a goal there Young [King]! GO USA.”

The public shoutout highlights the future Hall of Famer’s deep ties to global soccer culture, adding Balogun to a star-studded list of pitch icons he frequently supports, including longtime friends Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr.

The clutch breakthrough marks Balogun’s third goal of the 2026 tournament, anchoring the American attack when it matters most. As the knockout bracket thins out, Balogun’s elite form has the USMNT firing on all cylinders as they look to secure a spot in the Round of 16, however, he was sent off the game against Bosnia and his availability is uncertain.

The origins of ‘The Silencer’ celebration

The iconic celebration was popularized by LeBron during his dominant run with the Miami Heat. James famously debuted the signature move after burying a legendary, ice-cold game-winner against the Golden State Warriors in February 2014, and used it as a rallying cry during the Heat’s historic 27-game winning streak in 2013.

The high-intensity celebration features a high-kneed, stomping march down the court while aggressively pushing both palms flat toward the hardwood—symbolically suppressing the crowd’s noise and crushing the opponent’s momentum—before capping it off with a violent chest-pound.

Analyzing Balogun’s 2026 World Cup production

With his clinical strike against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balogun has now racked up three goals in three tournament appearances, having only missed a single group-stage fixture against Turkey. Here is a closer look at the elite metrics the USMNT forward has put up so far in the tournament:

• Expected Goals (xG): $2.34
• Shot Conversion Rate: 60% (3 goals from 5 total shots on target)
• Passing Accuracy in Final Third: 78.5%
• Touches in Opposition Box: 22 total (Averaging 5.5 per 90 minutes)
• Fouls Drawn: 8 (Reflecting his elite capability to hold up play and draw contact under pressure)

Born in NYC and raised in England, the forward has quickly become an important piece of the USMNT attack thanks to his eye for goal and ability to lead the line against top international competition, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He developed through Arsenal‘s renowned academy before enjoying a breakout campaign on loan at Stade de Reims, where his scoring exploits in Ligue 1 attracted widespread attention across Europe.

How old is Folarin Balogun?

Folarin Balogun is 24 years old. He was born on July 3, 2001, in New York City, before moving to England as an infant, where he spent most of his childhood and developed as a soccer player.

Although he represented England at several youth levels, he remained eligible to play for the U.S. because of his birthplace. In 2023, after receiving FIFA approval to change his sporting nationality, he officially committed to the USMNT.

How tall is Folarin Balogun?

Folarin Balogun stands 1.78 meters (5 feet 10 inches) tall. While he is not the tallest center forward, he makes up for it with exceptional pace, intelligent movement, and sharp finishing inside the penalty area.

He is known for stretching opposing defenses with well-timed runs behind the back line and his ability to create separation in one-on-one situations. His athleticism has made him one of the most dangerous young strikers.

When did Folarin Balogun make his USMNT debut?

Folarin Balogun made his USMNT debut on June 15, 2023. He started in a CONCACAF Nations League semifinal against Mexico, just weeks after completing his one-time switch from England to the United States.

His first goal for the United States came only three days later, on June 18, 2023, when he scored against Canada in the Nations League Final. He helped the USMNT lift the trophy in what was an impressive start to his international career.

Since then, he has become the team’s preferred No. 9 thanks to his finishing ability, movement off the ball and experience playing in one of Europe’s top leagues.

Which club does Folarin Balogun play for?

Folarin Balogun plays for AS Monaco in France’s Ligue 1. He joined the club from Arsenal in August 2023 after a breakout season on loan with Stade de Reims.

Monaco invested heavily in him after he scored 21 Ligue 1 goals during the 2022-23 campaign with Reims, making him one of the most sought-after young strikers. Since arriving in the Principality, he has continued to play a big role.

Folarin Balogun’s career standout moments

• Developing through Arsenal’s academy: Balogun joined Arsenal’s youth system as a child and became one of the club’s highest-rated academy prospects. He made his senior debut in 2020 after consistently impressing at youth level.

• Breakout season with Stade de Reims (2022-23): During his loan spell at Reims, Balogun exploded onto the European scene by scoring 21 Ligue 1 goals in 37 appearances, finishing among the league’s top scorers. His performances established him as one of Europe’s best young strikers.

• Completing a permanent move to AS Monaco: In August 2023, Monaco signed Balogun on a long-term deal following his outstanding campaign in France. The transfer represented one of the biggest moves involving an American international in recent years.

• Choosing the United States over England: One of the defining moments of Balogun’s career came in 2023, when FIFA approved his one-time switch from England to the United States. The decision gave the USMNT a proven European striker ahead of the 2026 World Cup cycle.

• Scoring in the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Final: Just days after making his international debut, Balogun scored against Canada in the Nations League Final, helping the United States win the tournament and immediately proving his value to the national team.

• Establishing himself as the USMNT’s first-choice striker: Since joining the United States, Balogun has become the preferred center forward thanks to his intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and experience competing at the highest level of European soccer. His performances have made him one of the cornerstone players for the USMNT heading into major international tournaments.

Now according to The Sun and other sources, Spurs have a striker in mind, and he plays for rivals Arsenal. That striker is USMNT player Folarin Balogun, who has no place on the first team squad.

Folarin Balogun is reportedly worth in the range of $50 million in transfer fee, as Arsenal knows the American is a hot commodity and want to ensure a transfer knowing Balogun has two years remaining on his current Arsenal contract.

Folarin Balogun ready to move on from Arsenal

The USMNT striker is not too keen on riding the bench for Arsenal and wanted to move to Inter Milan as early as last week. The move did not happen given the high value placed on the player by Arsenal.

Folarin Balogun is reported to have told Arsenal he wants to leave if he will not be considered for the first team. Now Spurs may also have to compete with Monaco who have already had two bids rejected for the striker’s services.

Folarin Balogun is coming off of a career season on loan to Reims in France where he scored 22 goals in 39 matches.

It was the icing on the cake for the Arsenal striker who had a massive season out on loan with Reims in France. Rumors have swirled around Balogun from interest from AC Milan and Inter Milan to a move to the Bundesliga.

With a title to his name, Balogun is now turning his focus to his club situation where it seems he will not stay at Arsenal.

Balogun on his Arsenal future

Balogun stated before the Nations League final, “What I can say is that I definitely won’t go on loan again. I’m not sure on the discussions that are going to take place, I’m not sure what’s going to happen. But I’m just committed to now, I try to stay present.”

On a contract with Arsenal until 2025 the Gunners have set an asking price of £40 million for his services. While an interesting option for Arsenal up top, the Gunners have Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah and the coaching staff is comfortable with them.