New twist in Folarin Balogun row: Belgium could appeal FIFA’s suspension ahead of USA World Cup match – what it means

United States’ Folarin Balogun (20) fouls Bosnia’s Tarik Muharemovic (4) during the 32nd round of the FIFA World Cup in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Balogun was shown a red card in the game. (AP photo) Belgium have been given permission to appeal against FIFA’s decision to suspend United States forward Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban, according to a report by The Athletic.Balogun was set to miss the United States’ FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium after receiving a straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a suspension that usually carries an automatic one-match ban. However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the “one-game ban has been suspended”, making the forward available for selection.The decision led to criticism from the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), which said it was “stunned” and announced it was exploring “all potential options”.According to The Athletic, the RBFA made a formal appeal to FIFA and the request was accepted. Belgium and the United States were reportedly asked to present their arguments by 5 a.m. PT, 12 hours before kickoff at Seattle Stadium.READ ALSO: ‘Red line crossed’ – UEFA fumes at FIFA over Balogun suspension after Trump interventionThe report said the case will now be heard by a member of FIFA’s appeals committee, who is not affiliated with UEFA or CONCACAF.It’s possible a decision could be made before the round of 16 tie kicks off – but Belgian football authorities have reportedly been given no guarantees.As things stand, Balogun remains eligible to play and is expected to start. The 25-year-old is the United States’ top scorer at the World Cup with three goals, including what proved to be the winner against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 16.Balogun was later shown a red card following a VAR review and was expected to serve a one-match ban until FIFA suspends the ban on Sunday.US President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask him to review the matter, while Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and other White House officials were also involved. Trump praised the decision in a Truth Social post, writing: “Thank you FIFA for doing the right thing and reversing a great injustice!”