FIFA lifts Balogun's suspension amid World Cup controversy
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 6, 2026, 7:04 PM
Last updated Jul 6, 2026
FIFA's decision to lift the one-game suspension of U.S. player Folarin Balogun has sparked outrage from Belgium, the U.S.'s next World Cup opponent. The ruling, influenced by Donald Trump's call to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, has prompted Belgium to announce plans to challenge the decision. Balogun, the team's leading scorer, will be eligible to play in the quarterfinal match in Seattle. This incident marks a rare political intervention in a World Cup match, reminiscent of past controversies surrounding administrative decisions in the sport.
- •FIFA lifted Balogun's suspension before the match against Belgium.
- •The Belgian federation expressed astonishment over FIFA's intervention.
- •U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino criticized the initial red card ruling.
- •Balogun leads the U.S. team in World Cup scoring with three goals.
- •Belgium plans to challenge FIFA's decision ahead of the quarterfinal.
- 2:09 AMYahoo Sports — U.S. Falls to Belgium in World Cup Heartbreaker After Trump’s Push for FIFA to Overturn Star’s Suspension
- 9:58 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Go Belgium and the rule of law’: Americans root against United States after Donald Trump’s involvement
- 9:24 PMYahoo Sports — World Cup Integrity After Trump FIFA Call
- 7:04 PMYahoo Sports — Trump, FIFA and Balogun: The World Cup controversy explained
"FIFA added some drama to Monday night’s showdown between the United States and Belgium in the 2026 World Cup when it announced that USMNT star striker Folarin Balogun would be eligible to play in the match despite his red card in the previous match. The decision has sparked widespread outrage from the soccer and sports…
"FIFA’s stunning decision to lift the suspension of a star U.S. player has riled the host country's next World Cup opponent, Belgium
"Folarin Balogun was sent off during the round of 32 game last week and initially received a one-game suspension
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 7, 2026, 2:09 AMU.S. Falls to Belgium in World Cup Heartbreaker After Trump’s Push for FIFA to Overturn Star’s Suspension
Folarin Balogun was sent off during the round of 32 game last week and initially received a one-game suspension
- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 9:58 PM‘Go Belgium and the rule of law’: Americans root against United States after Donald Trump’s involvement
FIFA added some drama to Monday night’s showdown between the United States and Belgium in the 2026 World Cup when it announced that USMNT star striker Folarin Balogun would be eligible to play in the match despite his red card in the previous match. The decision has sparked widespread outrage from the soccer and sports…
- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 9:24 PMWorld Cup Integrity After Trump FIFA Call
Zito Madu on Trump and FIFA, the Balogun red card, Article 27, and whether the World Cup has been tainted.
- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 7:04 PMTrump, FIFA and Balogun: The World Cup controversy explained
FIFA’s stunning decision to lift the suspension of a star U.S. player has riled the host country's next World Cup opponent, Belgium
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- FIFA World Cup•Jul 7, 2026, 9:40 PMAn experienced midfielder seems likely to leave Manchester City
- LaLiga•Jul 7, 2026, 9:40 PM🤝Total agreement: João Cancelo will stay at Barcelona
- EPL•Jul 7, 2026, 9:40 PMChelsea concede defeat in pursuit of Morgan Rogers
- Soccer•Jul 7, 2026, 9:37 PMThierry Henry and Alexi Lalas clash during intense Balogun red card debate
Soccer•Jul 7, 2026, 9:33 PMThe fury and heartbreak of Egypt's stunning World Cup collapse- Soccer•Jul 7, 2026, 9:30 PMArgentina fans sing and dance after dramatic World Cup comeback against Egypt
