Folarin Balogun starts for US against Belgium after suspension lifted

Sport admin July 6, 2026 0 Comments

Folarin Balogun starts for US against Belgium after suspension lifted

SEATTLE — Folarin Balogun is in the United States’ starting lineup for Monday’s World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium after his red-card suspension was lifted by FIFA in a decision that sparked an uproar across the sport.

Balogun’s red card was assessed by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for stepping on an opponent’s ankle last Wednesday during the Americans’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, triggering an automatic one-game suspension.

Following a phone call from President Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the discipline for a year on Sunday, prompting the European governing body UEFA to call the decision “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.”

Belgium’s attempt to have FIFA reinstate the suspension was denied by FIFA’s appeals committee, which said the Belgian federation lacked standing.

Belgium fans chanted “FIFA Mafia” during their pregame march to Lumen Field.

Infantino said he did not play a role in the decision by the disciplinary committee, which also fined Balogun $40,000, a penalty that can be paid by the United States Soccer Federation.

Balogun’s three goals lead the United States, which has never won consecutive knockout-rounds games at the World Cup. Belgium eliminated the Americans in the 2014 round of 16.

The United States-Belgium winner faces Spain on Friday at Inglewood, Calif., for a semifinal berth against France or Morocco. The Americans last reached the quarterfinals in 2002, when it was knocked out by Germany. The Americans advanced to the semifinals of the first World Cup in 1930.

The United States will use the same starting lineup it used to open the tournament against Paraguay and the knockout round against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Belgium made four changes from its extra-time victory over Senegal in the round of 32. Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and forward Jérémy Doku lost their spot in the starting lineup. Nicolas Raskin and Dodi Lukébakio, who replaced the two stalwarts Wednesday night in the 56th minute, will take their place in the starting 11.

Romelu Lukaku, who started the comeback in the 86th minute, will once again come off the bench. Youri Tielemans, who scored twice, including the 120+5th-minute penalty remains in the starting lineup.