United States striker Folarin Balogun will be available for the US men’s soccer team in its World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium on Monday. FIFA announced Sunday that it has suspended the one-game ban the forward received after earning a controversial red card in the last-32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The decision came after the FIFA disciplinary committee cited an article of the FIFA code, utilizing an arcane rule to reinstate the striker. U.S. Soccer stated that it is pleased Balogun will be able to compete in the match, which will take place in Seattle, Washington.
Balogun has been a constant threat throughout the tournament, scoring three goals in three starts. His return provides a significant boost as the United States attempts to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. Without him, coach Mauricio Pochettino had been scrambling to come up with other options in attack.