Folarin Balogun starts for the United States in the World Cup round of 16 against Belgium after FIFA lifts a one-game red-card suspension. Both outlets report that Balogun’s suspension is reversed, allowing him to be in the starting lineup for the match. The decision comes amid widespread controversy in football circles.
According to the reports, the reversal is linked to interventions involving U.S. President Donald Trump. The Independent and The Hindu both say Trump contacted or urged FIFA to review the ban. That claim is presented as the key context behind FIFA’s change of stance, which triggers criticism and debate about the process.
While the specific procedural details are not expanded in the provided summaries, the shared account is that the FIFA decision removes the one-match ban imposed for Balogun’s red card and restores his eligibility for the U.S. team’s next knockout fixture against Belgium. The match therefore proceeds with Balogun available after the suspension was overturned.
