Belgium vs USA has an extra dimension tonight, beyond it pitting one of Europe’s strongest sides against one of the World Cup co-hosts.
After US president Donald Trump called Fifa boss Gianni Infantino and managed to have Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban suspended, the USA striker is set to feature in Seattle.
And he could be crucial here, having scored three goals in three games, including in USA’s 2-0 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina in the last 32. For all the criticism of the decision to send Balogun off in that game, there has been even greater outrage at Fifa’s move to delay his ban by a year.
That is the backdrop as Belgium aim to live up to their status as one of the most-talented outfits in the tournament – a status they have not underlined with their results so far, including in the last 32, when they needed a miraculous comeback to beat Senegal 3-2 at the death.
Follow all the action from the World Cup last-16 game below:
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USA v Belgium LIVE
- Belgium play co-hosts USA in Seattle, in last 16 of World Cup | Live on BBC One
- Folarin Balogun starts for USA after Fifa stunningly delayed his red-card ban by a year
- President Trump called Fifa boss Gianni Infantino for help on red-card issue
- Fifa rejected Belgium appeal over suspension of Balogun ban before last 16 clash
- 33' GOAL! Belgium retake lead instantly as De Ketelaere doubles tally [USA 1-2 BEL
- 31' GOAL! Tillman scores deflected free-kick after Balogun wins soft foul [USA 1-1 BEL]
- 9' GOAL! Hosts stunned as De Ketelaere taps in early goal [USA 0-1 BEL]
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:29 , Alan Smith66’ - They have won a corner. May it be the start of something? No because Freeman heads high and wide.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:28 , Alan Smith65’ - It sounds like the atmosphere has completely fallen flat in Seattle. Belgium have - again, so far - been masterful in terms of their execution.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:26 , Alan Smith63’ - Belgium remain hungry for more. De Ketelaere lays off to Trossard and his shot is blocked out for a corner by Richards.
Pulisic is distraught on the bench. Coach Poch looks befuddled.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:25 , Alan Smith62’ - USA’s only attempt on target remains the goal, which was fortunately deflected in. They have not risen to the occasion at all. But there is still time if they can get one back.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:24 , Alan Smith59’ - It’s all going wrong. Pulisic is now off injured, replaced by Berhalter.
USA 1-3 Belgium
02:23 , Alan Smith58’ - Freese was asleep in Seattle. Belgium build it out from the back before a long ball causes havoc. Freese rushes off his line to intercept and it appears a straightforward clearance. Except, under pressure from De Ketelaera, he botches it and hesistates before kicking it straight to Vanaken.
The early substitute cannot believe his luck as he sneaks the ball into the empty net from about 25 yards.
GOAL! USA 1-3 Belgium (Vanaken 57)
02:21 , Alan SmithIt’s a shambles from the hosts’ goalkeeper.
USA 1-2 Belgium
02:17 , Alan Smith53’ - Pulisic kicks Tielemans’ heel and wants a free kick. No chance. “Ref you suck” chant the home fans. Ok...
On a brighter note for the hosts, they are getting a greater hold of the game.
USA 1-2 Belgium
02:15 , Alan Smith51’ - Ream gets across to intercept a Lukebakio cross. Tielemans’ corner is headed away.
USA 1-2 Belgium
02:13 , Alan Smith49’ - Richards tries to meet a loose ball about 40 yards from goal and, inexplicably, sends it out for a goal kick.
USA 1-2 Belgium
02:12 , Alan Smith48’ - The USA shape remains the same for now following that change.
Restarted! USA 0-1 Belgium
02:09 , Alan SmithAnd we are back underway in Seattle.
USA change
02:09 , Alan SmithThe players are on their way back out and the US will be making one change with Reyna ready to come on for Dest.
Half-time! USA 1-2 Belgium
01:52 , Alan Smith51’ - Dest feeds Balogun and he races clear, shooting diagonally only for Ngoy to make a smart block. Pulisic sends the corner straight into Courtois’ hands.
And that is the interval.
USA 1-2 Belgium
01:49 , Alan Smith48’ - Trossard wins a corner off Freeman. It’s taken short and ends with Lukebakio dragging a shot wide.
USA 1-2 Belgium
01:46 , Alan Smith45’ - A long throw causes brief havoc in the Belgian box as Balogun’s poke towards goal goes over. The referee initially signals for a corner but it is overturned for a goal kick.
There will be six added minutes.
USA 1-2 Belgium
01:43 , Alan Smith42’ - Richards fouls Vanaken. More boos but it’s the right call.
De Cuyper swings the free kick in from the left and Lukebakio should really do much better than heading harmlessly wide having met it in space.
USA 1-2 Belgium
01:42 , Alan Smith41’ - Belgium remain dominant - their only blemish an unfortunately deflected free kick concession - and not many will have seen it coming considering how tepid they had been until this stage.
USA 1-2 Belgium
01:39 , Alan Smith39’ - Richards cuts out a corner. Tielemans takes it low, it gets a touch through a cluster of bodies near the front post and almost creeps in before Freese gets down to save.
USA 1-2 Belgium
01:35 , Alan Smith34’ - McKennie is booked for a frustrated slide in on Raskin. Very much deserved too.
GOAL! USA 1-2 Belgium (De Ketelaere 33)
01:34 , Alan SmithBut Belgium are back in front less than two minutes on! Trossard shimmies on the left and sends a nice cross in. De Ketelaere is too strong and tall for Ream, directing his header past Freese.
GOAL! USA 1-1 Belgium (Tillman 31)
01:32 , Alan SmithAnd Tillman’s free takes a big deflection off Vanaken’s head and diverts into the opposite corner to where Courtois was already diving. That’s a stroke of luck.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:30 , Alan Smith30’ - Balogun’s first meaningful act is to go down easy following a naive challenge by Mechele. It’s a free kick in a dangerous area, about 25 yards out.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:29 , Alan Smith28’ - Belgium play keepball. They are enjoying this though, again, we must caution that with so far.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:27 , Alan Smith26’ - Back underway. The US will hope the reset sorts them out.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:24 , Alan Smith23’ - Dest fouls De Cuyper, dragging him to the floor. More jeers as the free kick is awarded.
And that’s time for the commercial break.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:23 , Alan Smith22’ - Richards, who is so far having a shocker, almost gifts the ball to De Ketelare in the box when one on one. The American gets lucky and clears. They are shirking to the occasion so far.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:21 , Alan Smith21’ - Vanaken is on for Onana, who looks understandably upset as he sits on the bench.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:20 , Alan Smith19’ - Belgium are momentarily down to 10 but we play on. They lead eight shots to nil right now but realistically will not dominate to this extent for the duration.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:18 , Alan Smith17’ - Onana is down and looks in bit of distress with a right knee injury. He stretched for a duel with Pulisic and landed awkwardly.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:14 , Alan Smith14’ - Belgium are toying with the USA here. De Ketelare produces some lollipops before seeking out Tielemans in the box again. Soon after Trossard follows up with a strike that is well over.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:13 , Alan Smith13’ - Richards takes a ball to the face accidentally and needs a moment to compose himself, prompting a brief delay to the action.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:12 , Alan Smith11’ - Adams smashes into De Ketelaere and is fortunate not to be booked.
USA 0-1 Belgium
01:11 , Alan Smith10’ - It’s a terrible goal to concede. Freeman cannot head the ball away, allowing Raskin to take possession after no home player rushes to meet the loose clearance. Raskin then sends a firm ball across the face of goal and De Ketelare finishes.
GOAL! USA 0-1 Belgium (De Ketelaere 9)
01:10 , Alan SmithBut Charles De Ketelaere is not making a mistake! He taps in from close range and Belgium are deservedly in front.
USA 0-0 Belgium
01:08 , Alan Smith8’ - Glorious opportunity for Tielemans! Lukebakio powers down the right and finds the midfielder with a low cross. Tielemans has to finish but he swipes at the ball and cannot even direct it on target. What a waste.
USA 0-0 Belgium
01:07 , Alan Smith6’ - Robinson commits a clear foul on Castagne. That is also jeered loudly.
USA 0-0 Belgium
01:05 , Alan Smith4’- Belgium pass it around at the back. That is jeered by the home support.
USA 0-0 Belgium
01:02 , Alan Smith1’ - Less than a minute gone and Castagne brings a really good save from Freese, who is at full stretch to claw a shot destined for the top corner away. From the corner De Ketelare heads straight at Freese.
Before that Trossard and Tielemans had attempts blocked.
Kick-off! USA 0-0 Belgium
01:00 , Alan Smith1’ - We’re underway in Seattle.
USA play in dark colours, Belgium light.
Almost time
Tuesday 7 July 2026 00:56 , Alan SmithThe anthems are underway. There is a military fly past. And there are fireworks.
It looks a lovely afternoon in Seattle.
Poch happy to have Balogun back
Tuesday 7 July 2026 00:49 , Alan Smith“Outside is outside,” he says of not being distracted. “We’re focused. To have Balo is of course good news, to have him available is important for the team. He has three goals and is doing a fantastic job. It’s good news for us. It’s important for the team. I hope today he can show his quality.”
Tonight's referee
Tuesday 7 July 2026 00:46 , Alan SmithJordanian official Adham Makhadmeh is in charge tonight. Good luck to him.
Garcia explains Belgium changes
Tuesday 7 July 2026 00:44 , Alan Smith"I believe the most important is to have 11 players, a balanced composition,” the Red Devils coach says.
“We want speed, physical tactics, good defensively and offsensively. These 11 players were very logical to me given the elements I had."
On the Balogun situation, he adds: "We have answered this question many times. We have 11 US players in front of us. The most important is our team as well as the final victory."
Fellaini wants Belgium protest
Tuesday 7 July 2026 00:39 , Alan SmithSpeaking on Newsnight, the former Everton and Manchester United midfielder wants his countrymen to make a gesture.
“In the end the player [Balogun] will play the game, it's an important game for his country. He's one of the best players, they play at home, they have a chance to maybe win the game too, because the game is 50-50, they are doing a good World Cup.
“I think Belgium have to protest but when the Fifa decides something, you can't do anything.”
Seeing red
Tuesday 7 July 2026 00:28 , Alan SmithSome predictable scenes inside the stadium
Seattle is amped up
Tuesday 7 July 2026 00:20 , Alan SmithAbsolute scenes in Seattle 🫶 pic.twitter.com/XEZPX8uVTJ
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) July 6, 2026
Fifa committee hits back
Tuesday 7 July 2026 00:13 , Alan SmithFifa has dismissed criticism from Uefa after being accused of “crossing a red line” in its handling of Folarin Balogun’s red card and suspending the one-game ban to enable the USA striker to play in the World Cup last 16 tie against Belgium.
The decision by FIFA Disciplinary Committee to alter the punishment for the USA forward after committing “serious foul play” to earn a red card against Bosnia in the last 32 has been widely criticised.
And US President Donald Trump admitted that he intervened and encouraged Fifa President Gianni Infantino to review the incident in a bit to reverse the suspension.
Fifa committee takes swipe at Uefa over criticism of Balogun ban decision
Martinez departs
Tuesday 7 July 2026 00:04 , Alan SmithAnother man who made eyebrow-raising decisions in charge of Belgium, Roberto Martinez has announced he is stepping aside after Portugal were defeated by Spain earlier.
Martinez confirms exit after Portugal dumped out of World Cup by Spain
Question marks over Belgium selection
Monday 6 July 2026 23:58 , Will CastleBelgium boss Rudi Garcia has raised eyebrows with his team selection.
He’s dropped Jeremy Doku and Kevin De Bruyne to the bench and started quite a defensive team.
Romelu Lukaku, meanwhile, is once among the substitutes, with his role as impact sub preferred after he scored off the bench against Senegal to spark their comeback.
Balogun and Team USA arrive in Seattle
Monday 6 July 2026 23:54 , Will Castle
Belgium team news
Monday 6 July 2026 23:48 , Will CastleNow to the Belgians, and it’s a much changed team to the side that beat Senegal so dramatically in the last 32.
Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku are two very notable omissions with Amadou Onana and Dodi Lukebakio coming in.
Hans Vanaken is also replaced by Nico Raskin while Nathan Ngoy takes the place of Arthur Theate.
Belgium XI: Courtois; Castagne, Ngoy, Mechele, De Cuyper; Raskin, Onana, Tielemans; Lukebakio, De Ketelare, Trossard.
Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) on X
Balogun starts for USA after red card reversal
Monday 6 July 2026 23:43 , Will CastleIt’s the news we knew was coming. Amid heavy criticism of his one-match ban being suspended, Folarin Balogun leads the line for the United States tonight.
Mauricio Pochettino as well as the USMNT setup both welcomed the decision so there was no doubt that the Monaco man wasn’t going to start despite the uproar.
But that doesn’t take away from the fact that it will be a huge point of controversy if he is instrumental in knocking Belgium out. Going off his performances so far, that would not be a surprise.
USA team news - Balogun STARTS
Monday 6 July 2026 23:37 , Will CastleUS team news has just dropped - and we have confirmation that Folarin Balogun starts after having his red card controversially wiped.
USA XI: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson; Tillman, Adams, McKennie; Dest, Balogun, Pulisic.
All About U.S. 🇺🇸#USMNT x The @HomeDepot pic.twitter.com/ud32G5aKrq
— U.S. Soccer Men's National Team (@USMNT) July 6, 2026
WATCH: Trump confirms intervention to get Balogun red card wiped
Monday 6 July 2026 23:37 , Will CastleJamie Carragher reacts to latest Balogun twist
Monday 6 July 2026 23:33 , Will CastleThis is getting more bizarre every hour 🤯😂
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) July 6, 2026
What’s the fine for if it wasn’t a red card @FIFAcom 👀
I totally get most people will want Belguim to get through now, but part of me wants Balogun to get the winner for @USMNT so this blows up even bigger for Infantino! https://t.co/T4aJIiI9K6
Fifa committee takes swipe at Uefa over criticism of Balogun ban decision
Monday 6 July 2026 23:27 , Jack RathbornFifa has dismissed criticism from Uefa after being accused of “crossing a red line” in its handling of Folarin Balogun’s red card and suspending the one-game ban to enable the USA striker to play in the World Cup last 16 tie against Belgium.
Fifa committee takes swipe at Uefa over criticism of Balogun ban decision
FIFA Disciplinary Committee dismisses UEFA criticism over Balogun ban
Monday 6 July 2026 23:20 , Jack Rathborn“In the majority of top-tier leagues belonging to UEFA-affiliated member associations – the overturning of red cards is a common disciplinary measure, yet this has never raised concerns about crossing any “red line”.
Balogun has also been fined $40,000 for his red card - half payable by U.S. Soccer Federation.
USA and Belgium fans arrive in Seattle
Monday 6 July 2026 23:10 , Jack Rathborn
Balogun decisions 'undermines the autonomy of sport,' says EU commissioner for sport
Monday 6 July 2026 23:00 , Jack RathbornGlenn Micallef, the European Union's commissioner for sport, maintained that decisions on sport "belong to sporting bodies, not politicians".
"Influencing sporting decisions would undermine the autonomy of sport," he said.
"Our focus should instead be on the real governance challenges facing sport, including the weaponisation of sport for political purposes."
Folarin Balogun to make history as second-ever player to not serve a ban for a red card in a World Cup
Monday 6 July 2026 22:45 , Jack RathbornFolarin Balogun set to become just second player in World Cup history to not serve a suspension.
Out of the 188 other red cards at the World Cup, only one player avoided a ban.
Brazil's Garrincha did not miss a game in 1962, a time before automatic bans were part of the rules, though the decision sparked allegations of political interference.
Belgian FA confirms absence of reasons for Balogun decision
Monday 6 July 2026 22:30 , Jack Rathborn“The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has received the decision of the FIFA Appeal Committee, signed by its member Mr Salman Al-Ansari, which declares the RBFA's case inadmissible and confirms the earlier decision allowing United States player Folarin Balogun to play.
“To date, the RBFA has still not received any grounds for this decision, nor has it received the information it has been requesting since the start of this procedure id est a copy of the decision and the motivation declaring the player eligible as well as the referee's report. Which is a breach of FIFA regulations.
“The RBFA has informed the United States Soccer Federation that it contests the eligibility of the player, should the player be listed on the referee's team sheet. This leaves all further actions open.”
USA and Belgium fans arrive in Seattle
Monday 6 July 2026 22:15 , Jack Rathborn
Pulisic highlights USA mindset in pursuit of World Cup last eight
Monday 6 July 2026 22:00 , Jack Rathborn"Because we're Americans, that's what we do. We believe anything is possible," Pulisic said. "We're a team that's going to fight and we're going to give it everything we got and we believe that we can win this thing.
“So I'd say that's a good reason to believe."
USA vs Belgium latest odds
Monday 6 July 2026 21:45 , Jack RathbornUSA 29/20
Draw 12/5
Belgium 7/4
via Betfair
Leandro Trossard to decide World Cup last 16 tie? L
Monday 6 July 2026 21:30 , Jack RathbornLeandro Trossard looks like a man in form and able to decide this World Cup last 16 tie against the USA.
The Arsenal winger, strongly linked with a move to Besiktas, is second in the rankings for key passes, according to WhoScored.
Trossard has 4.0, which ranks him 0.5 behind leader Ferdi Kadioglu of Turkey.
Pochettino congratulates Fifa over Balogun decision
Monday 6 July 2026 21:15 , Jack Rathborn"There's nothing to debate, it's something to congratulate FIFA for. That decision is fantastic. Not only because we have another player, but also for the sake of football. The red card was unfair."
Pulisic on Balogun's reaction to red card reprieve
Monday 6 July 2026 21:00 , Jack RathbornPulisic described the Balogun red card as "super harsh" and welcomed FIFA's decision.
"He's obviously super happy, man ... you want to be able to play in games like this.”
Pulisic on Belgium test in World Cup last 16
Monday 6 July 2026 20:45 , Jack Rathborn"We know what they (Belgium) have to offer," he told reporters on Sunday. "They have really talented players that can make a difference really quick.
"But we're not going to completely reinvent our style either. Of course, we want to be aggressive and try to hurt them, as we have to other teams this tournament We have confidence regardless of the game in March.
“We know what we can do."We think we can hang not just hang, but dominate spells of the game against some of the best teams ... I think we have the right to feel confident."
British MP writes to Infantino to use Balogun precedent to delay Quansah ban
Monday 6 July 2026 20:30 , Jack Rathborn🚨🏴 NEW: Labour MP Noah Law has asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to delay Jarell Quansah’s red card suspension until after the World Cup pic.twitter.com/NQJ2Nn1URm
— Politics Global (@PolitlcsGlobal) July 6, 2026
Fifa rejects Belgium appeal over suspension of Balogun ban before last 16 clash
Monday 6 July 2026 20:15 , Jack RathbornFIFA dismissed Belgium's challenge to United States striker Folarin Balogun's eligibility for Monday's World Cuplast-16 showdown as 'inadmissible', leaving the European side to approach the U.S. Soccer Federation to contest his inclusion. FIFA suspended Balogun's red-card ban and cleared him to play in the last-16 tie after U.S. President Donald Trump personally urged FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to review the case. Infantino denied being involved in the final decision.
"The FIFA Appeal Committee has rendered a request submitted by the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) as inadmissible," FIFA said in a statement. "The request was rendered inadmissible on the grounds that the RBFA is not a party to the proceedings and, as such, has no standing to appeal the decision."
Uefa says Fifa 'crossed a red line' with Balogun red card U-turn
Monday 6 July 2026 20:00 , Jack RathbornUefa lashed out on Monday at Fifa’s decision to suspend U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's World Cup red-card ban
"We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision," UEFA said on Monday, adding that "Yesterday's decision ... crossed a red line". "When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined."
Pochettino claims red card was 'completely unfair' and welcomes suspended ban for Balogun
Monday 6 July 2026 19:45 , Jack RathbornUnited States coach Mauricio Pochettino said on Sunday that he welcomed FIFA's decision to suspend striker Folarin Balogun's red card ban ahead of the team's World Cup last-16 match with Belgium on Monday in Seattle.
"I think everyone who really looked at the sport and trusts in ethics and integrity should celebrate that decision," Pochettino `told reporters. "We were punished enough against Bosnia and Herzegovina, playing with 10 men for 35 minutes after a decision that was completely unfair."
Belgium on 2014 World Cup rematch against USA
Monday 6 July 2026 19:30 , Jack Rathborn“I think they can produce a lot of talent and become a world force,” Thibaut Courtois said. “They’re already a great team together, they play well. So I think that’s a good evolution, and they’re showing it this World Cup. Hopefully it comes to an end (Monday) and that we can win, but we’re expecting a tough game.”
Axel Witsel added: “I think technically they are better. Physically, and also the intensity they can put during the game. And of course, the way they coach.”
What is FIFA’s Article 27 that allows Balogun to play after red card?
Monday 6 July 2026 19:15 , Jack Rathborn- Article 27 allows FIFA to suspend the implementation of a disciplinary sanction.
- The sanction itself remains in force but does not have to be served immediately unless the suspension is later revoked.
- The article allows FIFA's judicial bodies to suspend the implementation of all or part of a disciplinary sanction.
USA v Belgium: USMNT train before World Cup last 16 clash
Monday 6 July 2026 19:00 , Jack Rathborn
Belgium ‘astonished’ by Fifa’s decision to wipe Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban
Monday 6 July 2026 18:45 , Jack RathbornRudi Garcia was left furious at Folarin Balogun’s ban being rescinded: “I didn’t know that at the World Cup the 5th of July is actually the first of April. It’s April Fools. I think it’s necessary to refer to our statement. A lot of what I feel is there.”
A statement from The Royal Belgian Football Association added: “The RBFA is astonished by Fifa’s decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA–Belgium match on Monday, 6 July at 5:00 p.m. (Seattle time),”
USA v Belgium: Red Devils train before World Cup last 16 clash
Monday 6 July 2026 18:32 , Jack Rathborn
Trump labels Balogun red card decision 'horrible'
Monday 6 July 2026 18:24 , Jack Rathborn“All I did was ask for a review,” Trump said when asked about it during an unrelated Oval Office event. “I didn’t say, ‘You have to do this.’”
ITrump labelled the referee's call as “horrible”.
“I didn’t think it was a foul,” he added. “I thought it was two great athletes that crashed into each other and got entangled.”
USA v Belgium predicted line-ups
Monday 6 July 2026 18:17 , Jack RathbornUSA XI: Freese; Freeman, Richards, Ream, Robinson; Tillman, Adams, McKennie; Dest, Balogun, Pulisic
Belgium XI: Courtois; Castagne, Theate, Mechele, De Cuyper; Vanaken, Tielemans; Trossard, De Bruyne, Doku; De Ketelaere
USA v Belgium team news
Monday 6 July 2026 18:11 , Jack RathbornUSA will controversially have Balogun available after his suspension was wiped by Fifa. Pochettino also has injury concerns regarding Mark McKenzie and Cristian Roldan, while talisman Christian Pulisic will be expected to start after his injury problems earlier in the tournament.
Zeno Debast is still a doubt to feature for Belgium due to an injury that has kept him out the entire World Cup, though Leandro Trossard is fit despite concerns.
US Secretary of State on Trump's impact after Balogun ban rescinded
Monday 6 July 2026 18:06 , Jack RathbornUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio said: "It was great. They got screwed with that red card. There needs to be an appeal process for that. It's probably too late for that."
Fifa president clarifies Donald Trump conversation over rescinding Balogun ban
Monday 6 July 2026 17:55 , Jack RathbornFifa President Gianni Infantino has been forced to clarify a conversation he had with US president Donald Trump ahead of Folarin Balogun’s red card being suspended.
Balogun was shown a straight red card during the United States’ last-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic in which he appeared to scrape his studs down the calf of the defender before landing on, and twisting, his ankle.
The forward has been an influential player for the World Cup 2026 co-hosts and would have missed the last-16 clash with Belgium due to a one-match ban following his dismissal.
Fifa president clarifies Donald Trump conversation over rescinding Balogun ban
Trump finally arrives at World Cup – but Balogun decision shows Fifa hasn’t learned its lesson
Monday 6 July 2026 17:41 , Jack RathbornIt came like a bolt from the blue, so much so that many Team USA players and staff were completely unaware of the pack of cards being shuffled behind closed doors on Sunday morning. US defender Chris Richards even admitted: "I thought it was AI at first.”
The extraordinary decision by Fifa to “suspend” Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban for his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina means the United States will have their star striker available for the last-16 tie against Belgium, who maintain they are “astonished” at the decision. Just thirty-two hours before kick-off in Seattle, head coach Mauricio Pochettino has been handed a massive boost to his hopes of a quarter-final spot.
It is extraordinary because the case seemed closed: Fifa confirmed after the Bosnia match that, rightly or wrongly, there were no grounds for the US to appeal the decision or the sanction. However, the first indications that wheels were perhaps in motion higher up the food chain came on Friday.
Balogun call shows lessons not learned as Trump arrives at World Cup
Belgium v USA
Monday 6 July 2026 17:44 , Jack RathbornAfter an extraordinary 24 hours with Fifa changing Folarin Balogun’s ban to a suspended ban, the football world has melted.
The Belgian FA are furious, Norway’s manager has joined the debate, despite his side not being impacted directly, and now Trump has candidly spoken about his direct involvement with Fifa President Gianni Infantino.
Many are suggesting that the decision on Balogun compromises the fair play and integrity of the tournament.
And in just a few hours, the USMNT will be playing Belgium in a massive last 16 tie. We’ll have all the build-up for you.
