Trump thankful as US striker Balogun available for Belgium clash despite red card

The striker was dismissed against Bosnia but has been cleared to play the last-16 tie.

SOFI, SO GOOD: Former Arsenal talent Folarin Balogun celebrates with USA teammates after scoring his team's third goal in the hosts' World Cup Group D win over Paraguay at the Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood. Pic: Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images

United States ‌striker Folarin Balogun will be available for their World Cup last-16 clash with Belgium despite being sent off for a straight red card in their win over Bosnia in the previous round, Fifa said on Sunday.

Balogun scored his third goal ​of the World Cup in the 2-0 win but was shown a red card in ​the second half for planting his boot into the ankle of Bosnia's Tarik ⁠Muharemovic, leaving the U.S. to navigate the remainder of the game a man down.

The 25-year-old was sent ​off after a VAR review, with U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino saying it was never a red card.

"[T]he implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year," Fifa said in a statement.

"If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall ​be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new ​infringement."

The judicial body has the discretion to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary sanction.

'A GREAT ‌INJUSTICE'

"Thank you ⁠to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice," U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social.

U.S. Soccer accepted the decision.

"(We) are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow," it said in a statement.

Balogun's teammates said they only found out via social media on their way to training.

"We found ​out about it just ​coming over here," American ⁠forward Christian Pulisic told reporters.

"At first, you're like, 'Oh really, is this real?' And then 'Oh, this is great news'."

The Belgium team did not immediately comment ​on Balogun being available for the game in Seattle on Monday.

Portugal ​captain Cristiano ⁠Ronaldo was able to play his side's opening World Cup matches after Fifa suspended the final two games of a three-match ban last year when he was sent off in their penultimate qualifying match against Ireland.