FIFA suspends Balogun's red card ban, Trump thanks FIFA

The United States national team has received a major boost ahead of their crucial World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium, as FIFA officially suspended the one-match ban handed to star striker Folarin Balogun.

Balogun, arguably the USMNT's standout performer in the tournament, was shown a direct red card for a foul during the team's Round of 32 match against Bosnia. The harsh dismissal, which many observers viewed as an excessive punishment for the offense, automatically triggered a one-match suspension.

However, FIFA has now intervened to put the ban on hold. The governing body stated that the punishment will be lifted entirely, provided Balogun does not commit a similar infraction within the next year. With the suspension deferred, the American forward is fully cleared to play in the knockout match against Belgium.

According to a report by news agency AFP, US President Donald Trump has publicly expressed his gratitude to FIFA for suspending the striker's ban.

The highly anticipated Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium is scheduled to take place on Tuesday morning.