Balogun's red card in the last-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina resulted in an automatic suspension for the match with Belgium. But FIFA stepped in and suspended his ban, leading to widespread condemnation, especially when it emerged that Trump had intervened by phoning Infantino.

FIFA's handling of two World Cup red-card cases came under renewed scrutiny on Thursday after England defender Jarell Quansah got a two-match suspension while U.S. striker Folarin Balogun avoided an immediate ban for a similar challenge.

President Donald Trump confirmed Monday he asked FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to review the "horrible" decision to hand a red card to star US striker Folarin Balogun, but said he did not request it be overturned.

The rescinding of USA forward Folarin Balogun's suspension on US president Donald Trump's request shows how much corruption and greed has eaten into the sport's showpiece event.

FIFA will allow United States striker Folarin Balogun to play in their World Cup last-16 clash with Belgium on Monday after suspending his ban for a red card in the previous round, citing Article 27 of the world ruling body's Disciplinary Code.

The extraordinary FIFA ruling means that Balogun is now free to play for the World Cup co-hosts on Monday when they face Belgium in Seattle with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Belgium's football association said Sunday it was "astonished" at FIFA's decision to suspend USA forward Folarin Balogun's red card, allowing him to play against Belgium in the World Cup last-16 game.

President Donald Trump on Sunday thanked football's world governing body FIFA for suspending the red card issued to USA's Folarin Balogun, paving the way for the striker to play in a last-16 World Cup showdown against Belgium.

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

Bosnia coach Sergej Barbarez said the decision, confirmed after a VAR review, was fair but Pochettino saw it differently.

Hosting a FIFA World Cup is a matter of immense pride for any nation. Countries spend billions of dollars on infrastructure development, building and renovating stadiums, and upgrading facilities to stage the greatest show on earth. In return, they receive significant economic benefits through the arrival of millions of football fans from around the world.

From established names finally experiencing football's biggest stage to young talents announcing themselves to the world, several first-time World Cup participants have already played decisive roles for their countries.

Arsenal striker Balogun, making just his second appearance since switching his national team allegiance from England, grabbed the second goal for the US after Chris Richards had headed them in front in the 12th minute