Former US soccer player previews US vs. Belgium game
Former USMNT defender Jonathan Bornstein previews the national team’s FIFA World Cup match against Belgium. Bornstein claims this current generation is the most talented USMNT team ever, with players from top European clubs. He explains how the team’s exciting run is accelerating soccer’s growth and popularity across America, inspiring young fans.
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Belgium is crying foul after FIFA cleared USMNT star Folarin Balogun ahead of Monday’s Round of 16 clash at the World Cup in Seattle.
The Royal Belgian Football Association released a statement on the overturned suspension, saying it was “astounded by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended American player Folarin Balogun eligible to play,” claiming the ruling violates both FIFA’s disciplinary code and World Cup rules.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during the Semafor World Economy 2026 conference in Washington, DC, on April 15, 2026. (Kent Nishimura/AFP)
The federation concluded by saying it was “considering all possible options” to protect “the legitimate rights of all participating teams and preserve the fundamental principles of fair play.”
FIFA RULES FINAL ON US SOCCER STAR Folarin BALOGUN’S CONTROVERSIAL RED CARD SUSPENSION
However, FIFA was not convinced.
“Pursuant to Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the application of the automatic suspension of the American player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year,” the FIFA Disciplinary Committee said in an official statement.
The ruling means Balogun, who was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, is eligible to face Belgium on Monday night.
USA WC STARS CLAIM LACK OF APPEALS PROCESS FOR TEAMMAT’S RED CARD ‘BOGUS’
President Trump celebrated the verdict on Truth Social and thanked FIFA “for doing the right thing and reversing a great injustice!” Trump also praised Balogun’s reinstatement and predicted a strong performance by the Americans against Belgium.
President Donald Trump, Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, and Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, pose for a selfie with Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, 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’s not hard to see why Belgium would want Balogun on the sidelines. The American striker leads the USA with three goals in this tournament.
Balogun scored against Bosnia and Herzegovina before being shown a red card in the 64th minute after a VAR review upgraded the challenge.
FORMER TEAM USA STAR WANTS TO SEE RED CARD RULE CHANGE AFTER Folarin BALOGUN CONTROVERSY
American forward Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card was one of the biggest moments in the team’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images))
The dismissal immediately sparked debate among fans and pundits, many of whom believed the punishment was far too harsh.
The U.S. learned of FIFA’s decision when they arrived for Sunday morning practice in the Seattle area.
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Belgium enter Monday’s round of 16 match ranked No. 9 in the FIFA world rankings after handing the United States a 5-2 loss in a friendly in March.
But World Cup knockout football is a different animal.
At kickoff Monday night in Seattle, Balogun will be exactly where Belgium hoped he wouldn’t be: on the field.
FULL STATEMENT
“The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is shocked by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended American player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the match between the United States and Belgium scheduled for Monday, July 6 at 5:00 p.m. (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 application of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction.
“However, Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly states that a red card (send-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team’s next match, as has been the case for all red cards shown previously during this FIFA World Cup.
“Furthermore, and independently of the above, this decision is in direct conflict with the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Regulations, as set out in Article 10.5:
“‘If a player or team manager is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), he will automatically be suspended for his team’s next match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.’
“The automatic nature of such suspension was also expressly confirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16, which was distributed to all participating Member Associations on 12 May 2026.
“This rule is repeated at every FIFA World Cup 2026 match coordination meeting before every match and appears in all workshop presentations dedicated to FIFA World Cup 2026.
“To ensure 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.”
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