FIFA has cleared U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) star Folarin Balogun to play in the World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium, a decision that has drawn strong objections from the Belgian football federation.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) released a statement expressing dismay at FIFA's ruling, which overturns Balogun's suspension following a red card. The RBFA asserts that the decision contradicts both the FIFA Disciplinary Code and the World Cup regulations, specifically citing Article 66.4 of the Disciplinary Code, which mandates an automatic one-match suspension for a red card. They also pointed to Article 10.5 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Regulations and FIFA World Cup 2026 circular no. 16, which reinforce the automatic nature of such suspensions.
"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," the statement read.
Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute of the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina after a video assistant referee (VAR) review upgraded a challenge. The striker leads the United States with three goals in the tournament.
FIFA's Disciplinary Committee stated that the application of the automatic suspension for Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one year, pursuant to Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which allows for the suspension of previously imposed disciplinary sanctions.
Belgium, ranked No. 9 in the FIFA World Rankings, had previously defeated the United States 5-2 in a March friendly. The team is set to face the USMNT in Seattle on Monday.