World Cup 2026: Belgium granted appeal after FIFA reversed USMNT's Folarin Balogun 1-game ban after red card

The USMNT received seemingly good news Sunday, when FIFA reversed Folarin Balogun's one-game suspension after he received a red card during the team's match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. But that decision could be temporary. Belgium was granted an appeal by FIFA over the decision, which may be heard just hours before the USMNT and Belgium square off in the Round of 16 on Monday, according to The Athletic. With the appeal granted, both U.S. Soccer and the Belgian federations were asked to send in submissions to FIFA by 5 a.m. PT. That decision has reportedly frustrated Belgium, per The Athletic, as FIFA did not make its explanation of the Balogun decision public. Once those submissions are in, a member of the FIFA appeals committee will hear the case. The member of the FIFA appeals committee selected to hear the case will not be someone associated with FIFA, UEFA or CONCACAF, per The Athletic. Though the submission deadline was aggressive, FIFA has not guaranteed a ruling will be made prior to Monday's game, per The Athletic, which begins at 8 p.m. ET. in Seattle. The decision by FIFA to overturn Balogun's one-game suspension was met with plenty of controversy. In addition to a disciplinary reversal being a rare occurrence in the World Cup, the fact that the United States is one of the host countries of the event — and that U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly got involved — led to questions about FIFA's loyalties. In response to the decision to overturn Balogun's one-game ban, UEFA issued a scathing response, saying it could not believe "such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision." A portion of UEFA's statement read: "Football, like any other sports, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition. Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not. A minimum automatic suspension of one match following a red card is not a discretionary option and does not require the decision of a competent body to be enacted. It is a principle embedded in regulations, which cannot be made subject to exceptions, let alone in the middle of a tournament where several other players have been in the same situation and regularly served their suspension. "When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined." Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter also took the organization to task, saying the game "must never become a playground for political power." Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls. They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies. If a U.S. President intervenes with the FIFA President — and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match — the question is unavoidable: Quo… — Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) July 6, 2026 Blatter was ousted from his position due to a corruption scandal and remains suspended from taking part in FIFA activities until 2027. Balogun received a red card during the 64th minute of the USMNT's win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. That decision was made after officials reviewed the play on a monitor, which saw Balogun step on an opposing player's ankle as the two fought for position. Balogun scored a goal prior to being sent off. The USMNT wound up winning the contest 2-0. It wasn't an easy victory. With Balogun out, the USMNT was limited to 10 men over the final 30 minutes. Because of that USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino came to FIFA's defense over the ruling, saying his team was " punished enough " by having to play short-handed. Belgium, meanwhile, was " astonished " by the decision, leading to Monday's appeal.