FIFA Eligibility Controversy
FIFA Reverses Balogun Red Card Suspension; Belgium Outraged Over Eligibility for USMNT Match
Key Points
Balogun's red card was a direct red in the Round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina, issued in the 64th minute after a VAR review for stepping on the leg of Tarek Muharemovic.
The RBFA described FIFA's reversal as astonished and said it was in direct contradiction with competition regulations, adding it will explore all options including appeals.
The dispute hinges on Article 27 (Disciplinary Committee discretion) versus automatic suspensions under Article 66.4 and Article 10.5, with Circular No. 16 reaffirming automatic suspensions and match coordination materials reinforcing the rule.
FIFA’s explanation framed the decision as a last-minute reversal of Balogun’s suspension, a turn that drew strong backlash from Belgium ahead of the Seattle Round of 16 clash.
President Donald Trump publicly praised the reversal on Truth Social, and USMNT star Christian Pulisic welcomed it as a boost for the team, describing the situation as giving the Americans an edge.
FIFA reversed the one-game suspension of U.S. men's national team forward Folarin Balogun, clearing him to play in the Round of 16 against Belgium. The move came after a call from U.S. President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, according to Mahoning Matters.
Belgium erupted in protest. The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was "astonished" by the decision, calling it a direct contradiction of World Cup rules. The match is set to take place in Seattle, with enormous stakes for both nations.
How Balogun Got the Red Card in the First Place
Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute of the U.S. Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. A VAR review determined he had stepped on the leg of Bosnian player Tarek Muharemovic. The referee upgraded the foul to a straight red card, according to BND.
Under normal World Cup rules, a direct red card triggers an automatic one-game ban. Teams were told this rule at match coordination meetings and in workshop materials. Belgium expected Balogun to sit out the Seattle match — right up until FIFA reversed course.
Trump Called Infantino — Then FIFA Flipped
Trump called Infantino directly to push for Balogun's reinstatement, according to Port News. FIFA then used Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which grants the FIFA Disciplinary Committee discretionary power, to suspend the ban. The reversal came at the last minute, stunning Belgian officials.
Trump praised the decision on Truth Social shortly after it was announced. USMNT star Christian Pulisic also welcomed it, saying the reversal gave the U.S. team an edge heading into the match. The White House did not deny that Trump had placed the call.
Belgium Cites Three Rules FIFA Broke
The Belgian federation is not letting this go quietly. It argues that Article 66.4 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code makes red-card suspensions automatic. It also points to Article 10.5 and World Cup Circular No. 16, both of which reinforce the automatic ban rule, according to Mod Bee.
FIFA's defense rests entirely on Article 27, which gives the Disciplinary Committee discretion to override standard penalties. Belgium says that power cannot simply erase three other rules that spell out automatic suspensions. The federation says it is exploring all options, including a formal appeal.
What Comes Next in Seattle
The Round of 16 match between the U.S. and Belgium is set to kick off in Seattle. Balogun is now officially eligible to play after FIFA's ruling. Belgium has not yet confirmed whether it will file a formal appeal before kickoff, according to El Dorado News.
The episode has rattled confidence in FIFA's disciplinary process. Observers and rival nations are watching closely. If an appeal fails, the match proceeds with Balogun on the field — a result that Belgium says undermines fair play for every team in the tournament.
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