Key Takeaways
- FIFA has suspended the red card given to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun against Bosnia and Herzegovina, making him eligible to face Belgium.
- His return gives the USMNT another dangerous attacking option and could change betting odds for goal-scorer props and team totals.
- Sportsbooks often adjust soccer odds quickly when an important player becomes available.
FIFA has overturned the red card shown to United States men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun during a recent match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The decision means Balogun is now eligible to play against Belgium. It has been reported that US President Donald Trump got involved with a phone call to FIFA.
The ruling is good news for the U.S. because Balogun is one of the team’s top scoring threats. It could also affect several betting markets. Sportsbooks may change moneyline odds, team totals, and goal-scorer props now that he is available.
Did Trump Get the Ruling Changed?
Balogun was due to miss the Round of 16 game against Belgium because of the red card, but FIFA decided to suspend the punishment for a year. Something similar happened in November 2025, when Cristiano Ronaldo got a red card while playing for Portugal. He would have missed the first two games of the 2026 World Cup. However, FIFA chose to suspend the punishment.
It has been confirmed that President Trump called FIFA, as it is known he is very good friends with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. This ruling could set a very interesting precedent for FIFA going forward.
Belgium has asked FIFA to explain why Baolgun is allowed to play.
Why Balogun’s Availability Changes the Betting Landscape
Balogun is an important part of the U.S. attack. The 23-year-old forward plays for AS Monaco in France’s top division and has become one of the country’s best goal scorers. He has scored three goals in three games so far for the United States.
When he received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, he was expected to miss the Belgium match because of an automatic suspension. FIFA’s decision changed that.
His return matters because sportsbooks base their odds on how many goals they expect each team to score. A lineup with Balogun is more dangerous than one without him, so betting lines will likely reflect that.
The U.S. moneyline could improve slightly, and the team total for goals may increase. Balogun will also be added back to anytime goal-scorer markets in World Cup player props, giving bettors another popular option.
International soccer odds often move quickly when a star player becomes available. National teams usually do not have as much depth as club teams, so adding or losing a top striker can make a noticeable difference.
What This Decision Means for the Future
FIFA essentially bent the rules twice now for the World Cup, allowing Ronaldo and Balogun to avoid suspension. This raises questions about the sport’s integrity and future.
Many argue that Balogun should’ve never received the red, but that’s not the point here. The decision was confirmed by VAR and the USA didn’t appeal, so it should’ve led to an automatic suspension.
By bending to public pressure, FIFA has taken a slipper slope. Many are accusing the governing body of bending the rules when it suites them, so it remains to be seen what happens next. FIFA should find a way to consistently apply the rules, or the sport’s integrity is in danger.
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