Report: Belgium appeal denied, U.S. Balogun cleared for clash

On Monday the FIFA appeals committee denied Belgium's request to overturn United States' forward Folarin Balogun's eligibility, clearing him for the Round of 16 against Belgium after his red‑card reversal was rejected. The decision follows his first‑goal celebration in the World Cup round of 32 match versus Bosnia in Santa Clara, captured by Julio Cortez/AP. The round of 32 encounter in Santa Clara saw Balogun, then 20, receive a red card on Wednesday for an illegal tackle on a Bosnia‑Herzegovina player, a sanction that initially appeared to rule the American forward out of the upcoming knockout game. The incident occurred early in the match, prompting the United States Soccer Federation to prepare for his absence. Balogun later netted the United States' opening goal in that same game, a moment highlighted by the Associated Press. FIFA overturned the Wednesday dismissal on Sunday, and on Monday the FIFA committee labeled Belgium's appeal "inadmissible," a finding reported by The Athletic. The committee’s statement clarified that Belgium was not a party to the proceedings and therefore lacked standing.

FIFA chief defends decision after Trump intervenes in Balogun red card row

Earlier on Monday, Donald Trump claimed credit for the reversal, saying he asked for a review during a call with FIFA president Gianni Infantino at the White House. Trump told reporters that he merely pointed out a "horrible" decision and did not think the tackle warranted a foul. The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) responded that it remains open to further action, including a possible appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.

Uefa warns Fifa over World Cup suspension chaos after Balogun decision

With the appeal denied, Balogun is set to travel to Seattle for the Round of 16, where the United States will face Belgium. The American forward expressed readiness to play, while the RBFA warned that it contests his eligibility should he appear on the referee's team sheet. The situation leaves the possibility of additional legal steps open, according to the RBFA and the United States Soccer Federation.