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The Belgian soccer federation on Monday was reportedly given the right to appeal FIFA’s decision to lift the red card suspension it imposed on U.S. World Cup star Folarin Balogun.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has requested a full explanation from FIFA over its decision to suspend the red card ban on US World Cup star Folarin Balogun, The Athletic reported on Monday. The RBFA is also requesting a report from FIFA’s refereeing body, according to the report.
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Folarin Balogun of the USA celebrates scoring his first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California. (Phil Noble/Reuters via Imagn Images)
The United States and Belgium begin their round of 16 match in Seattle at 8 p.m. ET.
FIFA made the decision to lift Balogun’s suspension 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 “astonished” and Belgian coach Rudi Garcia mocked FIFA’s ruling.
“I didn’t know that at the FIFA offices, July 5 was April 1 in Europe,” García 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 this type of decision has been made.”
Folarin Balogun of the USA is consoled by teammates Giovanni Reyna and Timothy Weah after receiving a red card during the 2026 FIFA World Cup 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 did not respond when asked about a possible appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports or whether he thought President Donald Trump affected FIFA’s action.
“To safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both in this FIFA World Cup and in future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options,” the RBFA said.
Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask the organization to review the red card, a source told Pak Gazette.
“The application of the suspension of matches is suspended for a trial period of one year,” FIFA announced. “If Folarin Balogun commits another violation of a similar nature and severity during the probationary period, the suspension will be revoked and the sanction will be carried out without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new violation.”
American coach Mauricio Pochettino praised FIFA’s move.
Folarin Balogun of the US men’s national team speaks to the media before training 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.
