Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia has strongly criticized FIFA's decision to revoke the one-game suspension of United States Men's National Team forward Folarin Balogun, just hours before the two teams are set to face off in the World Cup Round of 16 in Seattle. The controversial ruling, announced on Sunday, has sparked outrage from the Belgian camp, which views the move as a violation of fair play principles.
Balogun, who leads the USMNT with three goals in the tournament, was originally suspended after receiving a red card in the 64th minute of the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The dismissal came after a VAR review upgraded his challenge, leading to an automatic one-game ban. However, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee decided to suspend the penalty for a probationary period of one year, citing Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which allows the judicial body to partially or fully suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.
The Royal Belgian Football Association released a statement expressing its shock at the decision, calling it a violation of both the FIFA Disciplinary Code and World Cup regulations. The federation said it is "considering all possible options" to protect "the legitimate rights of all participating teams and preserve the fundamental principles of fair play." Garcia echoed these sentiments, describing the ruling as astonishing and unfair to his squad.
President Donald Trump reportedly intervened in the matter, calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of Balogun's red card, according to a source confirmed by Fox News. Trump, who has previously praised Infantino as a "great leader in sports" and a friend, celebrated the decision on Truth Social, thanking FIFA "for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice." The president is scheduled to attend the World Cup Final on July 19 alongside Infantino, where he will present the trophy to the winning team's captain.
U.S. Soccer welcomed the ruling, stating, "We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow. Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans." Team USA manager Mauricio Pochettino, who had been preparing to adjust his lineup without Balogun, can now field his regular starting XI against a formidable Belgian side.
Balogun's red card had sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits, many of whom considered the punishment overly harsh. The striker scored against Bosnia and Herzegovina before being sent off, and his reinstatement gives the United States a significant boost as they seek to reach the quarterfinals for only the second time in the country's history. If the USMNT defeats Belgium, they would face the winner of the Portugal-Spain match.
Belgium, which narrowly advanced past Senegal in the Round of 32, now faces the challenge of containing Balogun, who has been a key offensive weapon for the Americans. The Belgian federation's investigation into potential legal avenues to reverse the decision adds another layer of tension to an already high-stakes encounter. The match is scheduled for Monday night in Seattle, with both teams vying for a spot in the next round.