Folarin Balogun will be available for the United States’ World Cup last-16 match against Belgium after FIFA overturned the one-game suspension that was triggered by a red card issued during the team’s Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The 25-year-old received a straight red for a foul on defender Tarik Muharemović as the co-hosts progressed with a 2-0 win. FIFA confirmed that the automatic ban will be suspended for a probationary period lasting one year.
“In accordance with article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code, the application of the match suspension has been suspended for a probationary period of one year,” FIFA said in a statement. “Should Folarin Balogun commit another breach of a similar kind and level of seriousness during the probationary period, the suspension will be lifted and the original sanction will take effect, without prejudice to any extra measure that may be applied for the new offence.”
US President Donald Trump hailed the decision on Truth Social, writing: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had earlier urged that the ruling be revisited. Speaking at a news conference when asked about the United States’ World Cup run, 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.”
Balogun has been a key figure for Mauricio Pochettino’s group at the tournament. He scored twice in a 4-1 opening victory over Paraguay and then added the first goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina. In the 64th minute, he was shown a red card following a challenge on Muharemović as he tried to shield the ball; his boot appeared to catch the back of the Bosnian defender’s ankle as the incident played out. The referee issued the dismissal after a pitchside review using the video assistant referee’s footage.
Under FIFA rules, a red card leads automatically to suspension for the next match, though FIFA can apply further penalties if it chooses. That discretion went the opposite way during the group stage, when Qatar’s Assim Madibo saw his one-game ban increased to five matches for a foul on Canada’s Ismael Kone, who suffered a broken leg.
Ronaldo slams critics “trying to kill me for 23 years”
Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he is not the same player he was in his prime, but insisted he remains ready to respond to the criticism that has followed him for years, saying critics have been “trying to kill me for the past 23 years”.
The 41-year-old Portugal forward was in a mix of moods—bold, playful and reflective—on the eve of the last-16 clash with Spain at the home of the Dallas Cowboys, a venue he described as the site of what will be his final World Cup.
One of the game’s greatest talents, the former Manchester United, Juventus and Real Madrid star declined to give a timeline for when he would stop playing international football.
However, when repeatedly asked about what comes next and the mounting criticism he has faced in recent seasons, Ronaldo acknowledged: “I am not the player I used to be”.
Still, the attacker and Portugal captain pushed back on any suggestion he is fading, saying: “I am not doing too bad.” He pointed to three goals in North America—two against Uzbekistan in a 5-0 group-stage win and a penalty in the 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Round of 32.
Enjoying the attention from journalists who keep probing his future, he told reporters: “It’s been like this since I was 18, it is not going to change.
“I always put body and soul trying to get our goals – playing or not playing, I will always have an important role to play.
“As I said before, (I will stop) when I choose, not when you choose, you always ask the same question.
“I don’t want to draw attention to this because it is less important.”
Ronaldo said this has been the World Cup he has enjoyed most, highlighting the “emotions” it has brought him both on the pitch and away from it.
When asked again about his international future, he replied: “You have been trying to kill me for the past 23 years, but you must have seen that is not worth it, it’s a waste of time, but you try and try and try and try and try.
“I am so used to this,” said the veteran, who is the leading goalscorer in the history of international football.
After being applauded from the press conference, Ronaldo added: “I am not going to be more Cristiano Ronaldo or less because I win the World Cup.”
He also reflected on how age affects perspective, saying: “Age gives you maturity and experience to see how relative things can be.”
“I even say thanks for the attacks I feel after I turned 40… the criticism is how you grow, so thank you for doing this.”
Ronaldo even singled out a reporter, saying: “I know he does not like me” and inviting him to ask a question.
“To speak to you, some of you, those who do not like us especially – I remember people’s faces very well,” he said with a grin.
“Listen, I am going to be honest: whatever happens tomorrow, Cristiano Ronaldo will leave with a clear conscience – not 100 percent but 1,000 percent because in life and football I gave everything.”
Looking ahead to the Texas meeting with Spain—an opponent he considers a second home after his Real Madrid years—Ronaldo conceded Portugal will be the underdogs.
“It’s going to be a very hard battle,” he said. “We need a lot of faith, we need to run and we need to be brave.”
