FIFA clears USMNT star Folarin Balogun to play as Belgium cries foul
Former US player previews USA’s match against Belgium
Former USMNT defender Jonathan Bornstein previews the national team’s upcoming FIFA World Cup match against Belgium. Bornstein claims the current generation is the most talented USMNT team ever, featuring players from Europe’s top clubs. He explains how the team’s exciting run accelerated the growth and popularity of soccer in America and inspired young fans.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Belgium is in tears after FIFA cleared USMNT star Folarin Balogun ahead of Monday’s World Cup Round of 16 clash in Seattle.
The Royal Belgian Football Federation issued a statement regarding the annulled suspension decision, stating that they were “surprised by FIFA’s decision to declare the suspended American player Folarin Balogun fit to play” and claimed that the decision violated both the FIFA Disciplinary Rules and the World Cup regulations.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at the 2026 Semaphore World Economy conference in Washington DC on April 15, 2026. (Kent Nishimura/AFP)
The federation stated that it was “considering all possible options” to “protect the legitimate rights of all participating teams and preserve the fundamental principles of fair play”.
FIFA HAS MADE IT’S FINAL DECISION ON US FOOTBALL STAR FOLAMA BALOGUN’S CONtroversial RED CARD PENALTY
However, FIFA was not convinced.
In the official statement made by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, “In accordance with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the automatic suspension of American player Folarin Balogun has been suspended with a one (1) year probationary period.” It was said.
The decision means Balogun, who received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, can start against Belgium on Monday night.
US WORLD CUP STAR CALLS THE LACK OF AN APPEAL PROCESS FOR HIS TEAMMATEET’S RED CARD ‘FAKE’
President Trump celebrated the decision on Truth Social, thanking FIFA “for doing the right thing and reversing a great injustice.” Trump also praised Balogun’s reinstatement and predicted the Americans would deliver a strong performance against Belgium.
President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney take a selfie with FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC on December 5, 2025. (Hector Vivas/FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
It is not difficult to understand why Belgium wants Balogun to be suspended from the team. The American forward leads the United States with three goals this tournament.
After scoring against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balogun was shown a red card in the 64th minute after a VAR review improved the challenge.
FORMER USA TEAM STAR WANTS TO SEE RED CARD RULE CHANGE AFTER FOLAYAN BALOGUN CONVERSATION
US forward Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card was one of the biggest moments of the team’s win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. (Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
The dismissal sparked immediate debate among fans and pundits; many of them believed the punishment was overly harsh.
The United States learned of FIFA’s decision when it arrived in the Seattle area for practice on Sunday morning.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION
Belgium entered Monday’s Round of 16 match in 9th place in the FIFA World Rankings after losing 5-2 to the USA in a friendly match in March.
But World Cup knockout football is a different animal.
Come kickoff in Seattle on Monday night, Balogun will be exactly where Belgium hopes he won’t be: on the field.
FULL DESCRIPTION
“The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is stunned by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended American player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA-Belgium match scheduled for Monday, July 6 at 5pm (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 implementation of a previously given disciplinary sanction.
“However, article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly states that, as with all red cards shown previously in this FIFA World Cup, a red card (expulsion) will automatically result in a suspension in the team’s next match.
“Furthermore, and notwithstanding the above, this decision is directly contrary to the provisions set out in Article 10.5 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Regulations:
“‘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 from his team’s next match. Other sanctions may also be applied.’
“The automatic nature of such a suspension was also expressly confirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 circular No. 16, distributed to all participating member associations on 12 May 2026.
“This rule is reiterated at every FIFA World Cup 2026 match coordination meeting before every match and is included in all workshop presentations specific to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“To protect the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to 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.”
Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow on X: @alejandroaveela
