The United States have received a major boost ahead of their FIFA World Cup last-16 clash with Belgium after striker Folarin Balogun was cleared to play.
Balogun had been expected to miss the knockout tie after receiving a red card in the group-stage victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, FIFA has suspended the automatic one-match ban, making the forward available for selection.
The governing body has reportedly placed the suspension on a one-year probationary basis, meaning the dismissal remains on Balogun’s disciplinary record but he will not serve the suspension immediately unless a similar offence occurs during the probation period.
The decision is a significant lift for the United States, with Balogun one of the team’s key attacking players as they prepare to take on Belgium for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.
The match is set to be one of the standout ties of the last 16, with the Americans now able to call upon one of their most dangerous forwards.
