The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has expressed outrage and is considering legal recourse after FIFA cleared United States men's national team striker Folarin Balogun to play in Monday's World Cup Round of 16 match in Seattle, despite his red card in the previous game. The RBFA released a statement calling the decision a violation of FIFA's own disciplinary code and World Cup regulations, arguing that it undermines the fundamental principles of fair play.
Balogun, who leads the United States with three goals in the tournament, was sent off in the 64th minute of the team's group-stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina after a VAR review upgraded his challenge to a red card. Under standard FIFA rules, a direct red card results in an automatic one-match suspension. However, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee invoked Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which allows the committee to suspend the application of a disciplinary sanction for a probationary period of one year. This means Balogun is eligible to face Belgium on Monday night.
The RBFA's statement emphasized that Article 66.4 of the same code clearly states that a red card automatically results in a suspension for the team's next match, a rule that has been applied consistently throughout the tournament. The federation also pointed to Article 10.5 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Regulations, which explicitly states that a player sent off due to a direct or indirect red card will be automatically suspended for the next match. The RBFA noted that this rule was reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 circular no. 16, distributed to all participating member associations on May 12, 2026, and reiterated at match coordination meetings before each game.
Belgium's frustration is compounded by the stakes of the match. The United States and Belgium are set to face off in a knockout game, where a single result determines who advances to the quarterfinals. Belgium, ranked No. 9 in the FIFA World Rankings, handed the United States a 5-2 loss in a March friendly, but World Cup knockout soccer presents a different challenge. Balogun's presence on the field gives the U.S. a significant offensive threat, as he has been the team's most consistent scorer in the tournament.
The controversy has drawn attention from high-profile figures, including President Donald Trump, who celebrated the ruling on Truth Social, thanking FIFA for reversing what he called a great injustice. Trump predicted a strong performance from the Americans against Belgium. The U.S. team learned of FIFA's decision while arriving for Sunday morning training in the Seattle area, providing a boost to the squad ahead of the crucial match.
The RBFA concluded its statement by saying it is considering all possible options to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and preserve the fundamental principles of fair play, both during this World Cup and in future editions of the tournament. The federation did not specify what actions it might take, but the possibility of legal challenges or formal protests could escalate the dispute beyond the pitch. FIFA has not commented further on the matter, and the decision stands, meaning Balogun will be in the lineup when the match kicks off Monday night in Seattle.
