FIFA made a surprise decision to suspend the one-match ban imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the Round of 16 against Belgium.
Balogun was previously shown a red card in the 2-0 win over Bosnia after a VAR review found he had stepped on an opponent's foot. According to FIFA rules, a red card automatically leads to a one-match suspension and is usually not appealable.
However, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee decided to suspend the implementation of the punishment for a year under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
This means that Balogun will be allowed to play, but if he commits the same serious offence during the probationary period, the suspension will be enforced.
The decision was welcomed by US President Donald Trump, who thanked FIFA on the Truth Social platform for righting what he described as an injustice.
The decision was also made after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for the red card to be overturned.
Belgium, on the other hand, protested the decision, calling it contrary to the rules of the 2026 World Cup.
The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was examining all options to defend the principles of fair play and the rights of the competing teams.
Balogun was a key player in the United States' attack after scoring three goals throughout the tournament, including two in the opening match against Paraguay. His presence was seen as a major boost for Mauricio Pochettino's squad ahead of the crucial clash with Belgium.
Before the decision was announced, Pochettino insisted Balogun should not have been shown a red card because the incident occurred during a fight for the ball and was not intentional.
Balogun himself had previously admitted that he was prepared to accept the punishment and only wanted to support his team-mates if he was not allowed to play.
FIFA's decision also has a precedent. Previously, Cristiano Ronaldo's suspension after a red card incident during a World Cup qualifier was also reduced when two of his three-match suspension was suspended.
The United States now receives a morale boost ahead of the match against Belgium, with their main striker back available to play in the knockout match.
