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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 lifts Balogun's suspension amid World Cup controversy

Summary

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.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•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.

Latest Updates

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

What they're saying

"
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 Sports