Belgium's appeal looms as FIFA reverses Balogun ban

FIFA’s decision on Sunday to overturn Folarin Balogun’s one‑game suspension after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina has triggered a fresh appeal for Belgium, which may be heard only hours before the United States face Belgium in the World Cup 2026 Round of 16 on Monday. Balogun’s red card came in the United States’ group match versus Bosnia and Herzegovina, prompting an automatic one‑match ban that FIFA later rescinded. The reversal marks a rare disciplinary overturn in World Cup history. Belgium received formal permission from FIFA to lodge an appeal against the reversal. Both U.S. Soccer and the Belgian federation must submit their arguments to FIFA by 5 a.m. PT.

UEFA warns FIFA: suspension of Balogun’s ban threatens rule certainty

The appeal could be heard just hours before the United States and Belgium meet in the Round of 16 on Monday. A member of the FIFA appeals committee, who is not affiliated with FIFA, UEFA or CONCACAF, will adjudicate the case. FIFA has not guaranteed a ruling before the match, leaving the outcome uncertain. Belgium officials expressed frustration that FIFA did not make the Balogun decision public.

FIFA’s suspension reversal sparks global criticism over World Cup integrity

The reversal sparked controversy, with the United States being a host nation and reports of President Donald Trump’s involvement adding political overtones. UEFA issued a scathing statement, calling the move “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable” and emphasizing that a red‑card suspension is a non‑discretionary rule. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter also condemned the episode, tweeting that football must never become a playground for political power and that red cards are not overturned by phone calls. Blatter, ousted over a corruption scandal, remains barred from FIFA activities until 2027.