FIFA’s Appeal Committee dismissed Belgium’s challenge to US striker Folarin Balogun’s World Cup eligibility on July 6, calling the Royal Belgian Football Association’s case “inadmissible.” The reasoning: Belgium wasn’t part of the original disciplinary proceedings, so they don’t get a seat at the appeals table.
The decision clears Balogun to play in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium.
How a red card became a geopolitical flashpoint
Balogun received a red card during a match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, which normally triggers an automatic one-match suspension. On July 5, FIFA invoked Article 27 to suspend Balogun’s ban for a probationary period of one year, meaning Balogun can play in the knockout round.
Belgium’s football association immediately filed an appeal, arguing that the suspension of the ban was improper and that Balogun should be ineligible. They also claimed they hadn’t received any grounds or referee’s report explaining the decision.
