For the first time in over 60 years of World Cup history, FIFA has reversed an automatic red card suspension, allowing US Men’s National Team striker Folarin Balogun to suit up for a round-of-16 match against Belgium on July 6. Belgium’s soccer federation is, to put it diplomatically, not pleased.
The Belgian Royal Football Association has publicly expressed “astonishment” at the decision, citing multiple provisions of FIFA’s own disciplinary code that it claims directly contradict the ruling. Reports indicate that US President Donald Trump personally lobbied FIFA President Gianni Infantino shortly after the red card incident.
What actually happened
Balogun picked up a direct red card during the US knockout phase match against Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 1-2, 2026. The infraction was classified as serious foul play, which under FIFA’s standard disciplinary framework triggers an automatic one-match suspension.
On July 5, one day before the Belgium match, FIFA announced it was suspending the ban. The governing body pointed to Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, opting instead for a one-year probationary suspension. In English: Balogun can play now, but if he does something similar again within a year, he faces consequences.
