- Belgium Reacts as FIFA Clears Balogun for World Cup Clash
- The RBFA said it is considering possible options following the ruling.
- FIFA suspended Balogun’s red card, making him eligible against Belgium.
Belgium’s football association has expressed shock over FIFA’s decision to suspend the red card issued to United States forward Folarin Balogun, making him eligible for Monday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 clash against Belgium.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a statement released on Sunday, the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it was surprised by the ruling and is considering its next steps.
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“The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA-Belgium match on Monday,” the statement read.
The RBFA added that it was “investigating all potential options” following FIFA’s decision.
Balogun had initially been ruled out of the match after receiving a straight red card during the United States’ round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The striker was sent off following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, which concluded that he had stepped on the foot of Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic.
However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the suspension attached to the red card had been lifted, clearing Balogun to feature against Belgium in Seattle.
The decision also drew a reaction from United States President Donald Trump, who publicly thanked world football’s governing body after Balogun was declared available for the knockout fixture.
