Folarin Balogun plays for AS Monaco during a Ligue 1 match against Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes in Paris on November 24, 2023. | Image by Victor Velter/Shutterstock

U.S. striker Folarin Balogun will be available for Monday’s World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium after FIFA suspended his red-card penalty, according to reports.

Balogun received a red card during the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1 after stepping on defender Tarik Muharemovic’s foot. Brazilian referee Raphael Claus issued the card after a VAR review.

The decision sparked backlash because Balogun had scored in the match and appeared likely to miss the Americans’ knockout-round showdown against Belgium in Seattle.

FIFA later suspended the punishment for a one-year probationary period, allowing Balogun to play, Fox News reported.

U.S. Soccer Responds

“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” U.S. Soccer said. “Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans.”

The Athletic first reported Balogun’s updated playing status Sunday. Fox Sports also confirmed that Balogun would be eligible for the Belgium match.

Balogun told reporters Friday that the play was unintentional.

“First and foremost, it was totally unintentional, which I’m sure a lot of people know,” Balogun said. “But, you know, I think the choice of the referee was, of course, his choice, but I don’t think it was the correct call.”

Balogun said he believed a yellow card would have been fair.

“There’s not many places I can place my foot in such a scenario. But it’s happened, and it’s something that I have to accept and move forward from,” he said.

Belgium Match Ahead

The decision gives the United States another attacking option as it prepares for Belgium.

Balogun said the red card brought “lots of different emotions” but that he tried to stay composed.

“I never want to react out of anger and emotion,” Balogun said. “There’s still lots of people we’re inspiring. Little kids, boys and girls are watching. We have to show them the correct way to handle things even when you think it’s unjust, so I felt I did that.”

The United States faces Belgium on Monday in Seattle with a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals on the line.