FIFA has suspended the automatic suspension of Folarin Balogun, who was sent off during the United States' victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The American striker will therefore be able to play in the World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday in Seattle, even though he was initially due to serve a one-match ban. The red card remains on his record, but the one-match suspension is suspended for a year.
A straight red card, then a turnaround
Balogun was sent off in the second half against Bosnia and Herzegovina, following a VAR review, for a challenge deemed dangerous on Tarik Muharemovic. The United States won 2-0, with Balogun scoring before his dismissal. This red card should normally have resulted in an automatic suspension of at least one match, which would have ruled him out of the game against Belgium.
The decision announced on Sunday directly alters Mauricio Pochettino's possible starting lineup. Balogun, who has scored three goals in this World Cup, is once again available for a knockout match. For the United States, it's a major boost. For Belgium, it's a decision deemed incomprehensible.
Article 27, the lever used by FIFA
FIFA relied on Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which allows its jurisdictional body to suspend the execution of a disciplinary measure, either fully or partially. In Balogun's case, the suspension is subject to a one-year probationary period. If the player commits a similar offense during this period, the sanction can be reinstated, potentially with additional penalties.
This is therefore not a straightforward reversal of the red card. FIFA is not saying the referee made a mistake. It is simply deciding not to immediately apply the resulting suspension. This is precisely the point fueling the controversy: the mechanism bypasses the automatic effect of the red card without officially reopening the match proceedings.
The White House has become involved in the matter.
The political dimension of the issue is acknowledged on the American side. Donald Trump publicly thanked FIFA for having “did what was right” Following the announcement of Balogun's availability, Real Madrid was also involved in discussions with FIFA regarding the red card, with a request for review addressed to Gianni Infantino.
This direct contact gives the affair a scope that extends beyond the pitch. The host country sees its center forward reinstated on the eve of a crucial match. FIFA cites its disciplinary regulations. Belgium, however, sees it as a breach of sporting fairness.
Belgium denounces a breach of fair play
The Belgian Federation said “astonished” by the decision to make Balogun eligible. She believes this measure contradicts the principle of automatic suspension after a red card and has announced she will examine “all options” to defend the rights of the teams involved and the principles of fair play.
Rudi Garcia also reacted strongly. The Belgian coach made light of the decision in a press conference, calling it an April Fool's joke, while asserting that Belgium was not only defending its own interests, but the integrity of football.
A precedent set by Ronaldo, a heightened controversy
The case is reminiscent of a recent precedent with Cristiano RonaldoSent off against Ireland in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the Portuguese player had part of his sanction suspended by FIFA, also on the basis of Article 27. Balogun now benefits from the same disciplinary mechanism.
This repetition reinforces the criticism. The rule exists, but its application in cases involving high-profile players at crucial sporting moments fuels accusations of preferential treatment. FIFA has not provided a detailed explanation justifying why the suspension should be suspended in this specific case.
A match already fraught with tension
The USA-Belgium match will therefore be played with Balogun potentially on the team sheet. From a sporting perspective, his presence alters the American attacking balance: depth, target man, effectiveness in the penalty area. Politically and disciplinaryly, it places the match under intense scrutiny.
