2026 FIFA World Cup controversy continues to grow after Belgium secured the right to appeal FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban.
The American striker became eligible again for the United States’ Round of 16 clash against Belgium after FIFA overturned his automatic suspension. Belgium strongly rejected the ruling, calling it inconsistent with the tournament’s disciplinary regulations and accusing the governing body of contradicting its own code.
According to The Athletic, FIFA has instructed both the Belgian and American football federations to submit their arguments urgently before an independent member of the appeals committee reviews the case.
Although Belgium hopes the appeal will overturn the decision before kickoff, another FIFA reversal appears unlikely at this stage. The Red Devils nevertheless insist on challenging the ruling, while the 2026 FIFA World Cup faces one of its biggest off-field controversies of the tournament.
