United States striker Folarin Balogun admitted he initially believed someone was joking when he was informed that FIFA had overturned his suspension and cleared him to play against Belgium during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

"Two days before the Belgium match they told me I could play again. It felt unreal. At first I thought it was a joke," Balogun said during a public conversation with LeBron James at Fanatics Fest in New York City's Javits Center.

The Monaco forward recalled being shocked by the red card he received against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 after a VAR review ruled that his challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic constituted serious foul play.

"When I received the red card, I was in shock. I think most people watching the game were as well, but I had to accept it," Balogun said.

He also revealed that head coach Mauricio Pochettino encouraged him to stay ready despite the suspension. At the time, Balogun assumed the message was simply intended to keep his spirits up.

The controversy escalated when FIFA rescinded the one-match ban after U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of the incident, arguing that the challenge "wasn't even a foul."

Balogun's comments have reignited debate over one of the tournament's most controversial decisions, raising fresh questions about the perception of political influence in international football and FIFA's disciplinary process.

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