Folarin Balogun will officially be available for the United States’ World Cup match tonight vs Belgium after his one-game suspension was rescinded, a decision that immediately sparked controversy across the soccer world.
Balogun was originally set to miss the next match after receiving a late red card in the United States’ previous victory. The sending off quickly became one of the biggest talking points of the tournament, with many fans believing the punishment would be a major blow to the USMNT attack moving forward.
Instead, tournament officials overturned the suspension following review, allowing Balogun to return immediately. Not everyone was thrilled with the decision. Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia reacted sarcastically to the news, “I didn't know the game was being played on April Fool's Day rather than July 6."
The United States received favorable treatment, and it appears the president had something to do with it. Some argued Balogun’s red card was soft and that rescinding the suspension was the correct decision. Others felt overturning a World Cup suspension after the fact sets a dangerous precedent.
For the United States, though, the ruling is massive. Balogun has been one of the team’s most dangerous attacking players throughout the tournament thanks to his pace, movement, and finishing ability. Losing him for a knockout-stage match would have forced major tactical changes for the Americans.
Instead, the USMNT now heads into its next matchup at full strength, and with even more attention surrounding Balogun after one of the most controversial disciplinary decisions of the tournament so far.
