Thekabarnews.com—FIFA has suspended the ban ahead of the United States men’s national team’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. The decision came after a reported appeal from United States President Donald Trump. He appealed for FIFA to reverse the ban it had imposed on United States men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun.

The Guardian report says that Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino on three occasions between July 2 and July 5. The purpose was to discuss Balogun’s suspension.

The report said Trump asked Infantino to reconsider the disciplinary sanction. FIFA imposed the sanction after the striker received a red card during the United States’ Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Balogun had been ruled out of the next match after his sending-off. But FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee later announced it had suspended the enforcement of the sanction. Therefore, the forward is available for selection against Belgium on Tuesday, July 7.

The decision was made in accordance with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This article allows for the suspension of certain disciplinary sanctions in specific circumstances. In an official statement, FIFA confirmed that the offense is not linked to match-fixing.

Under the ruling, FIFA deferred Balogun’s suspension for one year. Should he commit another offense of a similar nature and gravity during that time, FIFA may reactivate the suspended sanction. In addition, FIFA may impose any new disciplinary measures.

The ruling drew immediate widespread attention, coming on the heels of reports of Trump’s talks with Infantino. FIFA, however, said its decision was based on the terms of its disciplinary rules.

United States coach Mauricio Pochettino welcomed FIFA’s decision, arguing that Balogun’s red card was unjustified from the outset.

“The striker’s return is important for the team as we head into one of the tournament’s most important games,” Pochettino said.

Balogun has been an important part of the United States attacking unit during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The AS Monaco forward has featured in all three games for the team, netting three goals. As a result, he made himself one of the most important players in the squad.

Balogun’s availability should boost the United States’ chances against Belgium as the team seeks a place in the quarterfinals. Furthermore, a win would equal the country’s best World Cup performance since the quarterfinals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

The fallout from the disciplinary decision has also sparked more public discussion of how FIFA’s disciplinary process works and how much influence high-profile figures can have over the sport’s governing body.

Reports of Trump’s lobbying have sparked debate, but FIFA says its decision follows the terms of its disciplinary code.

With Balogun cleared, the focus will shift from the off-field controversy to the Round of 16 matchup. In this match, the United States will aim to build on its strong World Cup run. They will also aim to move closer to one of the nation’s most memorable tournament feats.