FIFA clears U.S. striker Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium in the World Cup last-16 match after it suspended what would have been his one-game red-card ban. Balogun was sent off during the United States’ 2–0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic, a red card that would normally trigger automatic suspension and keep him out of the Monday game in Seattle. Multiple outlets report that U.S. President Donald Trump personally urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the disciplinary decision, and that direct contact with FIFA occurred. FIFA says it acts under Article 27 of its disciplinary code, suspending the match suspension for a probationary period of one year; if Balogun commits a similar offence during that period, the suspension would be reinstated. U.S. Soccer says it accepts the disciplinary committee’s decision and confirms Balogun is eligible. Several reports note that the process does not constitute a formal “appeal” of a red card at the tournament, but rather a disciplinary-code mechanism that allows Balogun to be available for selection. Trump publicly thanks FIFA, framing the change as reversing an injustice.