FIFA lifts Balogun's suspension before World Cup clash with Belgium
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 5, 2026, 7:54 PM
Last updated Jul 5, 2026
FIFA's decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's one-match ban allows him to play in the World Cup last-16 against Belgium on July 6. Balogun was controversially sent off during the United States' round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Belgium's football association expressed astonishment at the reversal, highlighting contradictions in FIFA’s disciplinary regulations. The RBFA is investigating potential actions to address the situation, citing concerns over the integrity of the competition.
- •Balogun is now eligible for the USA-Belgium match on July 6.
- •Belgium's FA criticized FIFA for contradicting its own rules.
- •FIFA has cited Article 27 of its disciplinary code for the suspension decision.
- •Belgians are exploring options to address the decision's implications.
- •The incident follows similar controversies involving other players during the tournament.
- 8:21 AMYahoo Sports — Belgium manager reveals what he told Folarin Balogun after win over USA: ‘It’s not his fault’
- 12:53 PMYahoo Sports — FIFA allows Belgium to appeal the suspension of Flo Balogun's suspension
- 1:58 AMYahoo Sports — World Cup 2026: Belgium ‘astonished’ at FIFA’s decision to lift Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension
- 8:49 PMYahoo Sports — Trump happy, Belgium 'astonished' as FIFA suspends Balogun ban
- 8:02 PMYahoo Sports — 'Astonished' Belgium investigating options after Folarin Balogun suspension reversed by FIFA
- 7:54 PMYahoo Sports — Belgium ‘astonished’ by Fifa’s decision to wipe Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban
"The ruling body FIFA has suspended a suspension of United States national team striker Folarin Balogun which makes him eligible to play against Belgium in the World Cup last 16 on Monday. The decision was welcomed by the US team and the nation's president, Donald Trump, while Belgium said they were "astonished" by the ruling they may appeal.
"Before I go any farther with this one, I need to make a quick point or two to the handful who have griped to me via email regarding the coverage of the World Cup by this outlet.
"Balogun is now available to face Belgium in the World Cup last-16 after his one-match ban was ‘suspended’
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 7, 2026, 8:21 AMBelgium manager reveals what he told Folarin Balogun after win over USA: ‘It’s not his fault’
Balogun was permitted to play the World Cup round of 16 clash after his ban was suspended by Fifa
- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 12:53 PMFIFA allows Belgium to appeal the suspension of Flo Balogun's suspension
Before I go any farther with this one, I need to make a quick point or two to the handful who have griped to me via email regarding the coverage of the World Cup by this outlet.
- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 1:58 AMWorld Cup 2026: Belgium ‘astonished’ at FIFA’s decision to lift Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension
Belgium is unhappy with FIFA’s decision to lift U.S. forward Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension.
- Yahoo SportsJul 5, 2026, 8:49 PMTrump happy, Belgium 'astonished' as FIFA suspends Balogun ban
The ruling body FIFA has suspended a suspension of United States national team striker Folarin Balogun which makes him eligible to play against Belgium in the World Cup last 16 on Monday. The decision was welcomed by the US team and the nation's president, Donald Trump, while Belgium said they were "astonished" by the ruling they may appeal.
- Yahoo SportsJul 5, 2026, 8:02 PM'Astonished' Belgium investigating options after Folarin Balogun suspension reversed by FIFA
Belgium is not pleased with FIFA's decision to reverse Folarin Balogun's suspension.
- Yahoo SportsJul 5, 2026, 7:54 PMBelgium ‘astonished’ by Fifa’s decision to wipe Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban
Balogun is now available to face Belgium in the World Cup last-16 after his one-match ban was ‘suspended’
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