SEATTLE — Folarin Balogun is officially available for the United States’ Round of 16 match against Belgium, adding another dramatic layer to one of the World Cup’s most controversial storylines.
FIFA rejected Belgium’s challenge over Balogun’s eligibility after the Royal Belgian Football Association requested clarification on the decision to suspend the striker’s automatic one-game red-card ban. Belgium said FIFA treated that request as an inadmissible appeal rather than providing a full explanation.
Balogun was sent off in the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina after stepping on Tarik Muharemović’s ankle, a red card that was expected to rule him out of the Belgium match. Instead, FIFA suspended the ban and placed Balogun on a one-year probation period, clearing him to play.
The decision has created a storm because U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino and pushed for the case to be reviewed. UEFA criticized FIFA’s handling of the matter, calling the decision “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.”
For Belgium, the frustration is obvious. Balogun leads the United States with three goals in the tournament, and his availability changes the entire feel of Monday night’s knockout match. For the U.S., it is a massive boost before its biggest World Cup game in years.
Now the debate moves from boardrooms and appeals back to the field. Balogun is cleared, Belgium is angry, and the United States has its top striker available with a quarterfinal spot on the line.
