World Cup 2026: Will Folarin Balogun play against Belgium?

The uncertainty surrounding Folarin Balogun’s availability just won't fade—and with kickoff looming, the drama is only intensifying.

According to updates circulating on Twitter, the U.S. striker's spot in tonight's lineup remains very much up in the air. At the heart of the mess is that red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the suspension that came with it. Now, the clock is ticking: Belgium has until 8:00 a.m. ET to lodge an appeal against the White House's own appeal regarding Balogun's ban.

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That means the final call on whether he steps onto the pitch might not come until matchday itself—fueling even more suspense just hours before the first whistle.

All of this follows FIFA's earlier decision to overturn Balogun's suspension for the playoff clash with Belgium, a ruling that briefly gave U.S. fans hope. But with legal wrangling still unfolding, that hope now hangs in the balance once again.

Hazem Mlhem |

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Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.