SEATTLE – The U.S. men's national team enjoyed a relaxed Sunday morning as they arrived for their final training session at the University of Washington, gearing up for their World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium. Amid the routine social media scroll, defender Chris Richards humorously remarked, "I think a lot of us thought it was AI at first."

In a surprising twist, Folarin Balogun had his red card suspension lifted just four days after it was issued during the USMNT's round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA's independent disciplinary committee invoked Article 27 of their disciplinary code, placing Balogun on probation instead of enforcing the suspension for Monday's crucial match. This rare decision drew reactions from both sides.

Christian Pulisic, a forward on the team, expressed his support for Balogun:

If you look at the foul, it was just zero intent at all. ... Good things happen to people like that, and he was so positive and all for the team. It just feels right, I guess.

In contrast, Belgium's head coach Rudi Garcia and the Royal Belgian Football Association voiced their concerns, citing FIFA's rules that should have rendered Balogun's reinstatement ineligible. Garcia stated, "The fact that Folarin Balogun is there changes nothing in my approach to the match."

Balogun, who has started three out of four matches in the tournament, is expected to return to the lineup after the suspension reversal. The team had prepared for his absence, with Pulisic noting they were ready to adapt if necessary.

Despite not addressing the media on Sunday, Balogun trained normally, maintaining a professional demeanor. Alex Freeman, another defender, emphasized the importance of Balogun staying mentally prepared for the upcoming match:

For him, it's time to work. ... it's how can he stay mentally prepared to be able to go out tomorrow and perform.

As the USMNT shifts focus to Belgium, the excitement and anticipation build around Balogun's unexpected return.