FIFA's suspension precedent: When red cards don't stick
FIFA has suspended multiple player bans in recent tournaments, setting a pattern of reversing disciplinary decisions on probation.
Event / Sports
2026 FIFA World Cup
FIFA disciplinary proceedings and match suspensions related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.
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2026-08-16 to 2026-11-13 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 6 Jul, 00:23 UTC
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What happened
Balogun leads USMNT with three goals in 2026 World Cup
Folarin Balogun has emerged as the United States' top scorer in the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament with three goals in four matches played, establishing himself as a breakout star for the team.
Folarin Balogun receives controversial red card in USMNT's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina
United States striker Folarin Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute during the USMNT's 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a VAR review determined he committed serious foul play by stepping on the ankle of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic.
Folarin Balogun cleared to play in USMNT's Round of 16 match against Belgium
Following FIFA's decision to suspend his match suspension on probation, Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete in the United States men's national team's Round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday in Seattle.
FIFA previously suspended Cristiano Ronaldo's three-match ban in 2025
In November 2025, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee reduced Cristiano Ronaldo's three-match ban for violent conduct to a one-match suspension plus a one-year probationary period after he served one match of the suspension against Armenia, citing his historically clean record. This decision kept Ronaldo eligible for Portugal's opening group matches in the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA suspends Folarin Balogun's red card suspension for one year on probation
FIFA's Disciplinary Committee invoked Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code to suspend the implementation of Folarin Balogun's match suspension from his red card in the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Under the probationary period, if Balogun commits another infringement of similar nature and gravity within one year, the suspension will be immediately reinstated along with any additional penalties.
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2 alternative perspectives
Balogun's Red Card Suspension Lifted for World Cup Knockout Stage
FIFA suspended Balogun's red card suspension on probation, clearing him for the World Cup knockout stage.