FIFA's Decision Sparks Belgium Protests, Balogun Cleared To Play In The 2026 World Cup Round Of 16

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has submitted an official protest to FIFA after the global football governing body's Disciplinary Committee suspended the enforcement of a one-match playing ban against United States forward Folarin Balogun.

This FIFA ruling means Balogun remains eligible to represent the United States for their 2026 World Cup Round of 16 fixture against Belgium at Lumen Field, Seattle, scheduled for Tuesday 7 July at 07.00 WIB.

In a statement published on its official website on Sunday 5 July 2026 Seattle local time, the RBFA stated it was shocked by the decision. The Belgian federation maintains Balogun should have served the automatic suspension after receiving a straight red card during the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"The RBFA is astonished by FIFA's decision confirming United States player Folarin Balogun is eligible to feature in the United States versus Belgium fixture," the RBFA statement read.

According to Belgian officials, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee's ruling contradicts Article 66.4 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which stipulates that any player receiving a straight red card is automatically handed a one-match suspension.

The RBFA also cited Article 10.5 of the 2026 World Cup Competition Regulations, which requires both players and officials who receive a straight red card, or a red card via accumulated yellow cards, to serve suspension for their next fixture.

The RBFA confirmed this provision had been applied consistently throughout the 2026 World Cup, and had been repeatedly communicated to all tournament participants during match coordination meetings and official FIFA workshops.

For its part, FIFA based its ruling on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which grants the Disciplinary Committee authority to suspend enforcement of disciplinary sanctions under specific conditions. Balogun's penalty was not cancelled: it is only suspended for a one-year probation period. Should he commit another qualifying disciplinary offence within this period, the suspended ban may be enforced alongside any new sanctions.

Following this decision, the RBFA has confirmed it is currently reviewing all possible courses of action.

"To protect the legitimate rights of all participating teams and uphold the fundamental principle of fair play in this sport, both for this World Cup and all future editions, the RBFA is examining every available option," the federation stated.

This controversy began when Balogun received a straight red card in the 64th minute of the United States' 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The referee initially issued a yellow card, before upgrading the decision to red after reviewing VAR footage for a foul on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic.

The AS Monaco forward, who plays his club football in France's Ligue 1, was originally confirmed to miss the Belgium fixture, before the FIFA Disciplinary Committee suspended implementation of his ban to clear him for the Round of 16 tie.