Belgium coach Rudi Garcia reacts to Balogun eligibility news
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 5, 2026, 9:59 PM
Last updated Jul 5, 2026
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia expressed disbelief upon learning that Folarin Balogun, the suspended U.S. striker, was cleared to participate in the round of 16 match. Garcia initially suspected the news might be a prank. The development could significantly impact Belgium's strategy as they navigate the knockout stage of the tournament.
- •Rudi Garcia was surprised by the news about Balogun's eligibility.
- •Balogun had been suspended prior to the announcement.
- •Belgium is set to compete in the round of 16 match.
- 11:00 PMYahoo Sports — Belgian coach Rudi Garcia criticizes FIFA’s Balogun red card ban reversal: ‘It’s April Fools’
- 10:44 PMESPN — Belgium furious at Balogun U-turn: It's April Fool...
"After FIFA announced that U.S. national team forward Folarin Balogun would play in the Round of 16 after his one-game red-card ban was suspended, their opponent did not take the news well. “The Belgian federation isn’t just defending itself or the national team; it’s defending football in general — its integrity and its ethics,” Belgium…
"Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said he thought it was a joke when he first heard news that suspended United States striker Folarin Balogun was cleared to play in the round of 16 match.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 5, 2026, 11:00 PMBelgian coach Rudi Garcia criticizes FIFA’s Balogun red card ban reversal: ‘It’s April Fools’
After FIFA announced that U.S. national team forward Folarin Balogun would play in the Round of 16 after his one-game red-card ban was suspended, their opponent did not take the news well. “The Belgian federation isn’t just defending itself or the national team; it’s defending football in general — its integrity and its ethics,” Belgium…
- ESPNJul 5, 2026, 10:44 PMBelgium furious at Balogun U-turn: It's April Fool...
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said he thought it was a joke when he first heard news that suspended United States striker Folarin Balogun was cleared to play in the round of 16 match.
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