Former American soccer player previews the United States’ match against Belgium
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 of all time, with players from top European clubs. Explains how the team’s exciting run is accelerating the growth and popularity of soccer across the United States, inspiring young fans.
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Belgium is crying foul after FIFA cleared USMNT star Folarin Balogun ahead of Monday’s World Cup round of 16 showdown in Seattle.
The Royal Belgian Football Association issued a statement on the revoked suspension, saying they were “surprised by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended American player Folarin Balogun eligible to play”, arguing that the ruling violates both the FIFA Disciplinary Code and World Cup regulations.
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 that it is “considering all possible options” to protect “the legitimate rights of all participating teams and preserve the fundamental principles of fair play.”
FIFA MAKES FINAL DECISION ON CONTROVERSIAL RED CARD SUSPENSION OF AMERICAN SOCCER STAR FOLARIN BALOGUN
FIFA, however, was not convinced.
“In accordance with 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, can face Belgium on Monday night.
US WORLD CUP STAR CALLS LACK OF APPEAL PROCESS FOR TEAMMATE’S RED CARD ‘FALSE’
President Trump welcomed the Truth Social ruling 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. (Héctor Vivas/FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
It is not difficult to understand why Belgium wanted Balogun to be sidelined. The American forward leads the United States with three goals in this tournament.
Balogun scored against Bosnia and Herzegovina before receiving a red card in the 64th minute after a VAR review improved the challenge.
FORMER TEAM USA STAR WANTS TO SEE CHANGE IN RED CARD RULES AFTER FOLARIN BALOGUN CONTROVERSY
American forward Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card was one of the biggest moments in the team’s victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images))
The firing immediately sparked debate among fans and experts, many of whom believed the punishment was too harsh.
The United States learned of FIFA’s decision as it arrived for training Sunday morning in the Seattle area.
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Belgium enters 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.
When he kicks off 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 stunned 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 p.m. (Seattle time).
“FIFA bases its decision on article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This provision establishes 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 (expulsion) automatically carries a suspension for the team’s next match, as has been the case with all red cards previously shown during this FIFA World Cup.
“In addition, and regardless of the above, this decision directly contradicts what is established in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Regulations, as established in article 10.5:
“‘If a player or a team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second warning), he will be automatically suspended for his team’s next match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.’
“The automatic nature of such suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Circular No. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on May 12, 2026.
“This rule is reiterated in every FIFA World Cup 2026 match coordination meeting before each match and appears in all workshop presentations dedicated to the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“To safeguard 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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