FIFA explains why Balogun can face Belgium despite red card | OneFootball

FIFA said in a statement that its Disciplinary Committee had suspended for one year the execution of Balogun's one-match ban and fined him USD 40,000, clearing him to face Belgium in the 2026 World Cup last 16, hours before kick-off.

The United States forward was sent off on 1 July 2026 after a VAR review for serious foul play against Bosnia and Herzegovina. After the match he returned to the pitch to celebrate qualification despite the dismissal.

The following day, a disciplinary case was opened for potential breaches of article 66 on dismissals and article 14 on improper conduct during celebrations.

The committee applied article 27 of the Disciplinary Code, which allows the suspension of disciplinary measures other than in match manipulation cases. The fine was split equally between the two infringements, and the US federation was held jointly liable under article 6.5.

Controversy mounted in the hours before the game, with the suspension following a phone call from Donald Trump to Gianni Infantino in an unusual development. The dismissal was not overturned and the case focused on the disciplinary consequences of the red card.

Under articles 66.4 and World Cup regulation 10.5, a red card carries an automatic one-match suspension and potential additional sanctions. Article 27 permits the provisional suspension of that sanction given the specific circumstances, with a one-year probation. Any similar offence within that period would activate the suspended ban alongside any new punishment, and similar rulings have been made in World Cup qualifying.

Source: Superdeporte