05/07/2026 21:30 - Deportes
The 2026 World Cup brings an unprecedented chapter off the pitch. On July 5, 2026, FIFA announced the suspension of the ban hanging over Folarin Balogun (25 years old), allowing the American forward to be present for the crucial Round of 16 match against Belgium on July 6 in Seattle.
Balogun, the current top scorer for the USA team with 3 goals in 4 matches, was sent off in the 64th minute during the 2-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. The VAR review determined that he stepped on the ankle of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic, classifying it as 'serious foul play'. This meant he would miss the match against Belgium, until an unusual disciplinary mechanism was activated.
According to a source familiar with the matter who spoke to CNN, former US President Donald Trump had a conversation this week with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, requesting a review of the decision. Trump celebrated the outcome on his social network Truth Social: 'Thanks to FIFA for doing the right thing and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP'.
The disciplinary committee applied Article 27 of its code, suspending the one-match ban under a 'one-year probation period'. Although the red card remains on his record, the forward is now cleared to compete.
US head coach Mauricio Pochettino (54 years old) called the measure 'fair' and pointed out that the previous punishment was already excessive since they played with ten men for 30 minutes. On the other hand, the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) and its coach Rudi Garcia expressed their astonishment and stated they would investigate legal options, arguing that the decision contradicts the competition's regulations.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
