A Historic and Controversial Decision

July 5, 2026. FIFA announced the suspension of the one-match ban on United States forward Folarin Balogun (25 years old), allowing him to play in the crucial World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against Belgium, scheduled for July 6.

The measure has sparked a massive debate in the soccer world. According to reports, the decision came after a phone call from the President of the United States, Donald Trump, to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, requesting a review of the direct red card Balogun received in the 64th minute during the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which ended in a 2-0 victory for the US.

The Application of Article 27

To clear the player, FIFA applied Article 27 of its regulations, suspending the sanction for a probationary period of 1 year. This move allows Balogun, who is his national team's top scorer with 3 goals in the tournament, to be available for head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who celebrated the news with great relief.

Belgium's Complaints and Criticisms

The decision did not sit well with their opponents. The Belgian Football Association and their head coach, Rudi Garcia, harshly criticized the measure, arguing that it breaks the fairness and integrity of sporting competitions. Meanwhile, the United States prepares with its top star to keep dreaming in their home World Cup.