FIFA dismisses Belgium's appeal, clears Balogun for US clash

Folarin Balogun will be available for the United States against Belgium tonight after FIFA dismissed the Belgian Football Association's appeal, a decision that comes just hours before the World Cup last‑16 clash. The contrast between Belgium's legal challenge and the swift clearance underscores the high stakes of the match. The FIFA Appeal Committee ruled the Belgian Football Association's appeal inadmissible, removing the obstacle that could have barred the striker from the game. By declaring the request inadmissible, the committee cleared the way for Balogun to feature in the knockout tie. The ruling ends a period of uncertainty just hours before kick‑off, and the forward is now expected to be included in Mauricio Pochettino's squad for the meeting with Belgium. This inclusion restores the United States' attacking options for the crucial encounter.

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Belgium had previously sought to overturn an earlier FIFA decision that allowed Balogun to return to the United States setup, but the Appeal Committee found the federation had no legal standing to challenge the case. The earlier attempt highlighted the association's determination to contest the player's eligibility. FIFA said in a statement: "The request was rendered inadmissible on the grounds that the RBFA is not a party to the proceedings and, as such, has no standing to appeal the decision." The quote clarifies the procedural basis for the dismissal.

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Earlier on Monday, President Donald Trump revealed in a White House press conference that he spoke to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino about the appeal. Infantino responded, stating “FIFA’s judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them.”