US to Face Belgium in World Cup Showdown as Star Striker's Red Card Ban Lifted
The US men's national team is set to face Belgium in the World Cup round of 16 on Monday, with star striker Folarin Balogun eligible to play after FIFA put his one-game suspension on hold. Balogun was given a red card during the July 1 game against Bosnia-Herzegovina, which automatically landed him a one-game suspension. However, FIFA has suspended the implementation of the match suspension for a probationary period of one year.
The Royal Belgium Football Association has expressed astonishment at FIFA's decision, stating it will investigate all potential options to safeguard the legitimate rights of participating teams and protect fair play. European soccer's governing body, UEFA, has also expressed disbelief at the decision, calling it "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable."
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino had previously stated that Balogun was "sad" and "disappointed" about the call, which he believed was not intentional. The US team has been impressive in the 2026 tournament, finishing the group stage with a 2-1 record. Belgium, meanwhile, finished at the top of their group and advanced from the round of 32 with a 3-2 win over Senegal. The two teams will face off on Monday at 8 p.m. ET from Seattle Stadium.
The Royal Belgium Football Association has expressed astonishment at FIFA's decision, stating it will investigate all potential options to safeguard the legitimate rights of participating teams and protect fair play. European soccer's governing body, UEFA, has also expressed disbelief at the decision, calling it "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable."
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino had previously stated that Balogun was "sad" and "disappointed" about the call, which he believed was not intentional. The US team has been impressive in the 2026 tournament, finishing the group stage with a 2-1 record. Belgium, meanwhile, finished at the top of their group and advanced from the round of 32 with a 3-2 win over Senegal. The two teams will face off on Monday at 8 p.m. ET from Seattle Stadium.
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