Folarin Balogun, the U.S. Men's National Team's leading goalscorer, has been cleared to play in Monday's World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. The FIFA Disciplinary Committee on Sunday rescinded a one-game suspension that Balogun had received following a controversial red card in the team's victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina. The card was issued after a replay review showed Balogun made accidental contact with an opponent's leg.
The independent judicial body's decision to lift the suspension was met with approval by the USMNT. The reinstatement of their primary striker has already influenced betting markets for the upcoming match. Oddsmakers and bettors reacted quickly to the news, with the U.S. team's odds to advance against Belgium shifting from -115 to -140. As of Sunday afternoon, Belgium was listed at +165, with the United States also at +165 to win within 90 minutes. Odds for a draw stood at +240. Reports indicate that 66 percent of bets placed and 84 percent of the betting handle favored the U.S. to win.
Balogun's return has also affected anytime goal-scorer odds. He is now listed at +175 to score within 90 minutes and +145 with extra time included, trailing only Belgium's Romelu Lukaku, who is the favorite at +150.
The Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium is scheduled for Monday night at 8 p.m. ET in Seattle. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals to face either Portugal or Spain. The U.S. team has a tournament record of 3-1 so far, having won Group D and defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Round of 32. Despite their performance, they are considered long shots at 32/1 to win the entire tournament.
Every FIFA World Cup match is being broadcast on FOX or FOX Sports 1. Matches can be streamed via DIRECTV.