Folarin Balogun eligible for USA match against Belgium after red card suspension

United States striker Folarin Balogun will be available for the World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium, scheduled for Tuesday at 03:00. Balogun had previously received a direct red card following a VAR review during the group stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which would typically result in a one-match suspension. FIFA has officially converted this punishment into a one-year suspended sentence, allowing him to participate. Reports indicate that U.S. President Donald Trump publicly thanked FIFA for the decision, calling it the correction of a great injustice via social media. There is speculation regarding the involvement of political figures in this decision, noting the close relationship between Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. While the U.S. team had no formal path to appeal the card, the governing body's decision effectively cleared the player for the upcoming fixture. The match will feature the United States facing the Belgian squad managed by Rudi Garcia.