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Belgium’s soccer federation was reportedly given the right to appeal on Monday against FIFA’s decision to suspend the red card ban it handed to USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) requested a full explanation from FIFA for its decision to suspend USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun’s red card ban, The Athletic reported on Monday. The RBFA is also requesting a report from FIFA’s official body, according to the report.
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Folarin Balogun of the United States celebrates their first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California. (Phil Noble/Reuters via Imagn Images)
USA and Belgium kick off their Round of 16 match in Seattle at 8 p.m. ET.
FIFA made its decision to lift the suspension on Balogun on Sunday. It appeared to be the first time since 1962 that a red card during a World Cup did not result in a suspension. Balogun was initially red carded for stepping on the ankle of Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic following a VAR review.
The RBFA said it was “surprised” and Belgium coach Rudi Garcia mocked FIFA’s ruling.
“I didn’t know that in the FIFA offices, the fifth of July was the first of April in Europe,” Garcia said through a translator. “The Belgian federation does not defend itself, it does not protect the national team. It defends football in general, it defends its integrity, its ethics. I think it is the first time in the history of the World Cup that there are these kinds of decisions.”
Folarin Balogun of the United States is comforted by teammates Giovanni Reyna and Timothy Weah after receiving a red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Carlos Barria/Reuters via Imagn Images)
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Garcia would not respond when asked about a possible appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport or whether he believed President Donald Trump influenced FIFA’s action.
“To ensure 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 exploring all potential options,” the RBFA said.
Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask the organization to review the red card, a source told Pakinomist.
“The implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a trial period of one year,” FIFA announced. “If Folarin Balogun commits another offense of similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new offence.”
American coach Mauricio Pochettino praised FIFA’s move.
Folarin Balogun of the US men’s national team speaks to the media before practice in Seattle, Washington on July 3, 2026. (Steven Bisig / Imagn Images)
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“We were punished enough against Bosnia and Herzegovina to play with 10 men (for) 30 minutes in a decision that was completely unfair,” he said.
