Balogun Back for USMNT vs Belgium After Red Card Suspended

Red Card Incident and Immediate Consequences

Balogun earned a straight red card in the 64th minute of the USMNT’s Round of 32 clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The dismissal came after he landed on defender Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle, prompting several minutes of VAR review before referee Raphael Claus lifted the red card. The incident ended his participation in the match and raised questions about his availability for the next knockout stage.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino defended his player, insisting it was never his intent to step on the opponent. “For me? Never a red card,” Pochettino said. “Never an intention to step on the player. It was a normal action in football that happened by accident.”

A standard red card normally triggers a one‑game suspension, and FIFA officials initially told The Athletic that the United States could not appeal the ban. Since then, FIFA has suspended Balogun’s suspension, effectively clearing him to face Belgium in the Round of 16. The postponement pushes any potential ban well past the end of the World Cup.

How the Suspension Works Under FIFA Rules

Article 27 of FIFA’s disciplinary code allows the judicial body to fully or partially suspend a disciplinary measure. It also states that if the player commits another similar offense during the probationary period, the suspension is revoked and the original sanction is enforced. Balogun’s suspended ban means he can play without risk as long as he avoids further infractions.

US Men’s Team Prepares for Belgium Challenge

Balogun has been the USMNT’s most impactful attacker this tournament, registering a goal contribution in each of his three appearances. As the United States’ top scorer, his return adds a crucial offensive spark against a strong Belgian side. Belgium remains a formidable opponent, having beaten the U.S. 5‑2 in a March friendly and holding a historic 2014 knockout encounter that ended in extra‑time.

The United States is scheduled to play Belgium on Monday at 5:00 p.m. PT, a time slot that will bring fans across the country back to their screens. This matchup marks the fourth time the two nations have met in a knockout setting since 2014. The USMNT will aim to advance to the quarter‑finals for the first time since 2002.

The unexpected suspension lift gives the USMNT a morale‑boosting development as it looks to advance to the quarter‑finals for the first time since 2002. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see how Balogun’s presence influences the attack against a Belgium team still searching for consistency after recent struggles. With a clean disciplinary record secured, the focus now shifts entirely to performance on the field.