FIFA clears Balogun to face Belgium
FIFA’s ruling lets Folarin Balogun play after Belgium challenged his suspension reversal.
July 6, 2026 · Updated Jul 7, 8:47am ET
SalonBalogun red card controversy: FIFA rejects Belgium's appeal ahead of US match
FortuneTrump’s request for a review of Folarin Balogun's red card has become a global test of FIFA's political neutrality
Breitbart NewsFIFA Rules Belgium's Appeal of Suspension Reversal Is 'Inadmissible,' U.S. Star Folarin Balogun Can Play
Daily BeastU.S. Fans Turn on Trump After World Cup Intervention
ABC NewsAfter his suspension was lifted, Balogun has little impact in US World Cup loss
TownhallThe Media Hates That Trump Saved U.S. Soccer
The Guardian‘Overturn this’: victorious Belgium throw barb after Balogun red-card controversy
Associated PressBalogun starts for US against Belgium after suspension lifted following call by Trump to FIFA
World News GroupBelgium challenges FIFA delay of U.S. player’s suspension
Los Angeles TimesCommentary: Trump's World Cup meddling only made matters worse for rattled U.S. squad
BBC NewsWorld Cup 2026: US exit ends in shambolic fashion - did Balogun saga play a part?
The Daily WireBelgium Shot Down On Appeal To Keep U.S. Star Sidelined As Europe’s Tantrum Falls Short
Al Jazeera‘If you win, it’s a stain’: Americans react to FIFA-Balogun controversy
Straight Arrow NewsFIFA denies Belgium appeal, Balogun to play as Trump defends FIFA call
Epoch TimesFIFA Rejects Belgium’s Appeal, Allowing US Striker Balogun to Play
VoxIs Trump’s World Cup meddling a true scandal, or standard FIFA corruption?
DeadlineTrump Confirms FIFA Phone Call Over USMNT Red Card; UEFA Rips Move
RedStateThe Balogun Red Card Saga Gets Even Wilder As Trump and FIFA President Weigh In
Mother JonesUS soccer doesn't need Trump's big, orange thumb on the scale
SemaforFIFA reversal prompts US-Europe row
The Gateway PunditFIFA Rejects Appeal by Belgium Over Suspension Overturn, and US Striker Folarin Balogun Will Play Tonight’s Game
MEDIAiteWATCH: Belgium Trolls Prez With ‘Trump Dance’ Celebration After Crushing USMNT: ‘Overturn This’
MS NOWOpinion | There are no winners in the Folarin Balogun debacle
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What happened
FIFA cleared U.S. striker Folarin Balogun
Folarin BalogunAmerican footballer (born 2001) to start against Belgium in a World Cup round-of-16 match after putting his automatic one-game suspension from a July 1 red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina on hold. The FIFA Appeal Committee rejected the Royal Belgian Football Association’s challenge as inadmissible, saying Belgium was not a party to the original disciplinary case. President Donald Trump said he called FIFA president Gianni Infantino
Gianni InfantinoSwiss-Italian-Lebanese football administrator to seek a review of the red card but did not demand a specific outcome. Belgium beat the United States 4-1, ending the Americans’ tournament.
