Folarin Balogun cleared for USA after Donald Trump asked, and obtained, suspension lift ahead of Belgium last 16 | OneFootball

Folarin Balogun’s suspension has been lifted to general surprise, freeing the United States to use the Monaco striker against Belgium in the World Cup last 16 at 2am on Tuesday.

L'Équipe reports that the decision has triggered a cross-border row, combining Donald Trump’s intervention, friction between FIFA and UEFA, and high-profile reactions such as Jürgen Klopp’s. Balogun, 25, will be on the USA teamsheet.

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia and his staff had expected Christian Pulisic or Ricardo Pepi to start up front instead. Balogun has 30 caps and 12 goals, came through Arsenal, and chose Team USA in 2023 over England.

He blends sharp movement in behind with increasingly strong hold-up play, an area he has worked hard to improve. His influence showed in the 4-1 win over Paraguay, then against Australia on 19 June when he forced Cameron Burgess’s own goal.

He was later sent off in the 2-0 round-of-32 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, departing to ovations. The surprise clearance now reshapes Belgium’s plan for him.

The 'Great American sleep over' has taken hold online as new fans stay up for the team. Balogun has passed one million followers and is USA’s top scorer at this World Cup with three.

After 13 goals in 30 Ligue 1 games, Monaco hope to sell him for close to 60 million euros to a Premier League side. Against Belgium he could equal Bert Patenaude’s single-edition American record of four from 1930.

Source: L'Équipe