FIFA lifts Balogun red card, Belgium federation left stunned

FIFA has withdrawn the red card shown to United States striker Folarin Balogun, meaning the player remains eligible for the upcoming World Cup clash against Belgium, despite having been sent off in the group match versus Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun entered the tournament with three goals in four games. Balogun received the controversial red card after arriving late and stepping on the ankle of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic during the United States' match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Under normal FIFA rules the dismissal would have triggered an automatic suspension for the United States' next fixture, which was the encounter with Belgium. FIFA cited article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which allows a suspension to be suspended for a one‑year trial period, with the sanction re‑imposed if a similar offence occurs. The governing body previously applied the same provision to Cristiano Ronaldo, whose red card from a World Cup qualifier against Ireland was also withdrawn.

KNVB joins UEFA in condemning FIFA over Balogun red card reversal

The Royal Belgian Football Association (KBVB) described the decision as "verbaasd" and pointed to article 66.4 of the same code, which mandates that a red card automatically leads to a suspension for the next match. It also highlighted article 10.5 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Regulations, which reiterates the automatic ban and allows for additional sanctions.

Uefa warns Fifa over World Cup suspension chaos after Balogun decision

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia now faces the prospect of defending against a striker who has already netted three goals in the tournament. Former Belgium captain Kevin De Bruyne's father was mentioned in a team appeal that called on Jeremy Doku to support him, with Doku quoted as saying "He was really very sick". Former US President Donald Trump posted on X thanking FIFA for "doing the right thing and correcting a great injustice". Ticket prices for the Belgium‑United States match have been reported as high as €9,300, making it one of the most expensive fixtures for both nations.