SouthernWorldwide.com – The USA men’s national soccer team is riding a wave of momentum following their decisive victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
Initially, the win in the San Francisco Bay Area was overshadowed by a red card issued to striker Folarin Balogun. However, this situation has taken a significant turn thanks to FIFA’s recent announcement.
The USMNT star will now be eligible to play in the upcoming Round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday night. Balogun’s controversial red card, which occurred in the 64th minute of the 2-0 victory, had cast a shadow over the team’s World Cup aspirations.
Balogun has been a pivotal player for the squad throughout the tournament, scoring his third World Cup goal in the previous round. His availability is a massive boost for the team’s hopes of a deep run in the competition.
The Athletic first reported on Balogun’s revised playing status, citing a clause in FIFA’s disciplinary code. This rule allows the judicial body to suspend the implementation of disciplinary measures, either fully or partially.
According to the code, if a player benefiting from a suspended sanction commits a similar offense during a probationary period, the suspension can be revoked and the original sanction enforced. This provision appears to be the key to Balogun’s eligibility.
FOX Sports also confirmed that Balogun would be cleared to play. Reports suggest that the initial call by head referee Raphael Claus, following a VAR review, may have been an overreach.
This development means head coach Mauricio Pochettino can field his preferred starting lineup without needing to make significant adjustments for Balogun’s absence.
On the other side, Belgium narrowly avoided an upset in their Round of 32 match against Senegal. They were trailing 2-0 late in the second half but managed to force extra time with crucial goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans.
Just before a penalty shootout seemed inevitable, a foul was committed by Senegal within their own box. Tielemans successfully converted the resulting penalty, securing Belgium’s place in the next round.
Now, both teams are set to clash in Seattle, a city that has already witnessed an electrifying atmosphere during the USMNT’s group stage victory over Australia.
The anticipation for this match is expected to be even higher, as the U.S. aims to achieve a historic feat: reaching the quarterfinals, something only one other team in its history has managed.
Here’s how to catch all the action:
When: Monday, July 6 at 8 p.m. ET
Where: Seattle Stadium, Seattle, Washington
TV: FOX
Stream: Watch on FOX One and FOX Sports.
