The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has expressed astonishment and is investigating all potential options after FIFA controversially cleared United States striker Folarin Balogun to play in their World Cup last-16 clash against Belgium. Balogun, who has scored three goals at the tournament, was shown a direct red card for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic during the second half of the USA's 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee suspended his automatic one-match ban for a probationary period of one year, citing Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
Trump Praises FIFA's Decision
United States President Donald Trump praised FIFA for what he called 'reversing a great injustice' in a post on his Truth Social account. The official White House account on X also celebrated, posting 'USA-USA-USA' followed by a bald eagle emoji. The decision allows Balogun, 25, to feature in the crucial knockout match, providing a major boost for head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
FIFA's Disciplinary Committee Ruling
According to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee update, 'By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year.' Should Balogun commit another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during that period, the suspension would be revoked and the sanction enforced, without prejudice to any additional penalty for the new infringement.
Belgium FA's Strong Objection
The RBFA strongly disagreed with the application of Article 27, arguing that Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly states that a red card automatically results in a suspension for the team's next match, consistent with all previous red cards during the World Cup. Furthermore, the RBFA noted that the decision contradicts Article 10.5 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, which states: 'If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team's subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.'
RBFA's Statement and Investigation
In a strongly-worded statement, the RBFA said: 'The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by FIFA's decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA–Belgium match.' The association emphasized that the automatic nature of such a suspension was reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16, distributed to all participating member associations on 12 May 2026, and reiterated at every Match Coordination Meeting and workshop presentation. The RBFA concluded: 'In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options.'
Impact on USA's World Cup Campaign
Balogun's availability is a significant boost for the USA, as he is just two goals behind Landon Donovan, the country's all-time top scorer at World Cups with five goals. The USA will face Belgium in the round of 16, with the match expected to be tightly contested.
