Belgium questions FIFA after Balogun cleared for U.S. knockout match

Folarin Balogun is eligible to face Belgium after FIFA adjusted the suspension tied to his red card in the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. Belgium has objected strongly to the decision and says it is reviewing possible responses.

The case is controversial because Balogun was dismissed after video review in the round of 32, and a red card normally brings at least a one-match ban. Belgium’s federation argued that FIFA’s move conflicts with the tournament’s stated disciplinary framework, while coach Rudi Garcia framed the issue as bigger than one opponent or one match.

Thibaut Courtois said Belgium still expects to be ready, while noting that Balogun offers the U.S. a fast attacking option and a different profile from Ricardo Pepi. That leaves Belgium preparing for the sporting challenge while the administrative dispute remains unresolved.

The decision has also drawn criticism beyond the Belgian camp, with Norway coach Ståle Solbakken warning about the precedent such a reversal could create. For editors, the key question is whether this is an exceptional disciplinary adjustment or a ruling that could shape how future red-card cases are handled at the World Cup.