Folarin Balogun has received a significant boost ahead of the World Cup last-16 clash against Belgium on Monday. His one-match suspension resulting from a red card received in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina has been remarkably overturned by FIFA.

This decision allows the USA forward to participate in the crucial knockout match in Seattle, providing a major advantage for head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The red card incident, which occurred during the USA’s 2-0 victory over Bosnia, had drawn criticism due to the lack of an appeal process in FIFA's regulations, especially with the presence of VAR.

FIFA's disciplinary code, specifically Article 27, grants the judicial body the authority to suspend disciplinary measures. This unprecedented action mirrors a previous situation involving Cristiano Ronaldo, whose ban was also suspended during the World Cup qualifiers.

Additionally, there was speculation that FIFA's decision may have been influenced by the non-awarding of a red card to Lionel Messi for a similar tackle during Argentina’s win against Algeria.

Pochettino expressed his belief that Balogun's foul on defender Tarik Muharemovic was “never a red card” and maintained that it was not an intentional act. This development not only boosts the morale of the USA team but also highlights the complexities surrounding disciplinary actions in international football.