FIFA Puts Balogun Ban on Probation, Clearing US Striker for Belgium Fixture

Folarin Balogun is free to take the field against Belgium after world football's governing body halted the automatic single-match suspension that followed his sending-off versus Bosnia-Herzegovina. Rather than serving the ban immediately, the punishment now carries a twelve-month probation period.

Officials at the Belgian Football Association have voiced strong displeasure and are studying what legal routes may be open to them.

United States President Donald Trump spoke favourably about the outcome, and national team colleague Christian Pulisic said the players were pleased to hear it.

Balogun has netted two goals at the World Cup to date and still stands as one of the Americans' most influential figures on the pitch.