The Monaco striker was shown a straight red card in the US' victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina in the Round of 32, but his suspension was dissolved by football's governing body ahead of the last 16 tie with Belgium.
As part of a bizarre twist to the story, US President Donald Trump confirmed he spoke with FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to push for Balogun to be absolved, and his wish was granted amid a backlash of criticism.
Balogun's return seemed to inspire Belgium, as the Red Devils won 4-1 in Seattle progress to the quarter finials, and USA joined fellow co-hosts Canada and Mexico in bowing out of the competition.
Infantino is under huge pressure to explain FIFA's reasoning in the Balogun case, with UEFA labelling the call as 'unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable', and La Liga president Javier Tebas has slammed the situation.
"The worst part is that much of the football world is aware of it, but too many prefer to maintain a complicit silence.
"Because staying quiet is more comfortable than defending independence, transparency and good governance in football.
"World football deserves institutions that are accountable, respect the rules, and govern with transparency - not through unilateral, discretionary, arbitrary decisions that erode the trust of fans, clubs, leagues, and players.
"The Balogun case only reinforces this perception; it's only the tip of the iceberg. Moreover, if rules are systematically applied arbitrarily, trust disappears. And without trust, there's no institutional credibility."