United States men’s national team forward Folarin Balogun has been cleared to participate in the team’s 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Belgium after the governing body suspended his red-card-related ban.

According to GoogleNewsEN, FIFA issued a decision to temporarily set aside the suspension that had been imposed on Balogun following a red card received during the ongoing 2026 World Cup tournament. As a result of that decision, the forward is eligible to feature in the forthcoming fixture against Belgium.

According to GoogleNewsEN, multiple American media outlets have reported that United States President Donald Trump reportedly contacted FIFA prior to the organisation reaching its decision. The precise nature and content of that reported communication have not been independently verified on the basis of the available source material. CNN reports that President Trump’s role in the matter is currently under scrutiny.

FIFA has not, according to available reporting, issued a detailed public statement outlining the procedural basis on which the suspension was set aside. FOX Sports characterised the decision as one that surprised the broader football community.

Balogun is not accused of any criminal offence; the matter pertains exclusively to a disciplinary measure within the framework of FIFA tournament regulations.

FIFA could not be reached for comment at the time of publication.