Royal Belgian Football Association “astonished” by FIFA decision to clear Folarin Balogun for USA match
The Royal Belgian Football Association, RBFA, has expressed strong opposition to FIFA’s decision to declare United States forward Folarin Balogun eligible for Monday’s World Cup match against Belgium, set for 5:00 p.m. Seattle time on July 6.
In an official statement released ahead of the fixture, the RBFA said it was “astonished” by FIFA’s ruling and is reviewing all potential options to protect the integrity of the competition.
The dispute centers on Balogun’s suspension following a red card in the USA’s previous World Cup match. Under normal FIFA rules, a direct or indirect red card triggers an automatic one-match ban.
The RBFA cited Article 66.4 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which it says provides that “a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team’s next match,” a rule it notes has been applied to all previous red cards issued during this World Cup.
The Belgian federation also pointed to Article 10.5 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, which states:
“If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed.”
According to the RBFA, that automatic suspension was further reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16, distributed to all member associations on May 12, 2026, and is reiterated at every World Cup Match Coordination Meeting.
FIFA, however, based its decision to clear Balogun on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. That provision allows the FIFA Disciplinary Committee to “suspend the enforcement of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction.
“The RBFA argues the application of Article 27 in this case directly contradicts both the Competition Regulations and established tournament precedent.”
To safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options,” the statement concluded.
Balogun, who represents the United States, had been expected to miss the Round of 16 clash with Belgium after his dismissal. His availability now adds another layer of controversy to a World Cup already marked by debate over disciplinary consistency.
Belgium and the USA are set to meet in Seattle as both sides push for a place in the quarterfinals.
Read the full statement below:
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