The United States Men’s National Team has received a major boost ahead of its FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium after FIFA suspended the automatic one-match ban imposed on striker Folarin Balogun, making him available for Monday’s decisive encounter in Seattle.

According to reports by The Athletic, football’s world governing body invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code to defer the suspension for a one-year probationary period. If Balogun does not commit a similar offence within the next 12 months, the punishment will remain inactive.

FIFA overturns suspension

The decision comes after Balogun was initially handed a straight red card during the United States’ 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina following a VAR review that ruled he accidentally stepped on defender Tarik Muharemovic.

Team officials had reportedly believed there was no available avenue to appeal the suspension before FIFA intervened.

The decision mirrors an earlier move by FIFA during the tournament when a similar suspension involving Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo was also deferred under the disciplinary code.

Trump reacts

The development drew a reaction from United States President Donald Trump, who praised FIFA for reversing the decision.

Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”

Major boost for United States

Balogun has been one of the standout performers for the tournament co-hosts, scoring three goals during the group stage and emerging as the team’s leading attacking threat.

His availability is expected to provide a significant lift for the United States as it prepares for a difficult Round of 16 showdown against Belgium, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.