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Belgium is crying foul after FIFA cleared USMNT star Folarin Balogun before Monday’s World Cup Round of 16 showdown in Seattle.
The Royal Belgian Football Association released a statement on the overturned suspension, saying they were “stunned by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended American player Folarin Balogun eligible to play,” arguing the ruling violates both the FIFA Disciplinary Code and World Cup regulations.
The federation concluded by saying it is “considering all possible options” to protect “the legitimate rights of all participating teams and preserve the fundamental principles of fair play.”
FIFA MAKES FINAL RULING ON US SOCCER STAR FOLARIN BALOGUN’S CONTROVERSIAL RED CARD SUSPENSION
FIFA, however, wasn’t persuaded.
“Pursuant to article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the application of the automatic suspension of American player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year,” the FIFA Disciplinary Committee said in an official statement.
The ruling means Balogun, who was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, is eligible to face Belgium on Monday night.
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President Trump celebrated the ruling on Truth Social, thanking FIFA “for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump also praised Balogun’s reinstatement and predicted a strong performance from the Americans against Belgium.
It’s not hard to see why Belgium wanted Balogun sidelined. The American striker leads the United States with three goals this tournament.
Balogun scored against Bosnia and Herzegovina before being shown a red card in the 64th minute after a VAR review upgraded the challenge.
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The dismissal immediately sparked debate among fans and pundits, many of whom believed the punishment was overly harsh.
The U.S. learned of FIFA’s decision while arriving for Sunday morning training in the Seattle area.
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Belgium enters Monday’s Round of 16 match ranked No. 9 in the FIFA World Rankings after handing the United States a 5-2 loss in a March friendly.
But World Cup knockout soccer is a different animal.
Come kickoff Monday night in Seattle, Balogun will be exactly where Belgium hoped he wouldn’t be: on the field.
FULL STATEMENT
“The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is stunned by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended American player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the United States-Belgium match scheduled for Monday, July 6 at 5 p.m. (Seattle time).
“FIFA bases its decision on article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This provision states that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may decide to suspend the application of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction.
“However, article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team’s next match, as has been the case for all red cards shown earlier during this FIFA World Cup.
“Moreover, and independently of the above, this decision directly contradicts the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Regulations, as set out in article 10.5:
“‘If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), he will be automatically suspended for his team’s next match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.’
“The automatic nature of such a suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 circular no. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on May 12, 2026.
“This rule is reiterated at every FIFA World Cup 2026 match coordination meeting before each game and appears in all workshop presentations dedicated to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and preserve the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both during this FIFA World Cup and in future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is considering all possible options.”
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