World Cup 2026: Belgium granted appeal after FIFA reversed USMNT's Folarin Balogun 1

The USMNT received seemingly good news Sunday, when FIFA reversed Folarin Balogun's one-game suspension after he received a red card during the team's match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. For a few hours Monday, it looked as though that decision would be temporary.

Belgium was granted an appeal by FIFA over the decision, which was ruled on just hours before the USMNT and Belgium were set to square off in the Round of 16 on Monday.

With the appeal granted, both U.S. Soccer and the Belgian federations were asked to send in submissions to FIFA by 5 a.m. PT.

FIFA ultimately denied the appeal, opening the door for Balogun to play Monday.

That entire scenario, however, was unexpected by the Belgian football federation. In a statement Monday, it explained that it initially sought to have FIFA explain why Balogun's suspension was overturned.

FIFA did not provide its reasoning for that decision, and stated the inquiry would be treated as an appeal by the Belgium federation. With an appeal already initiated the Belgium federation said it "has no alternative but to challenge the player's eligibility for the upcoming match."

After the ruling came in, the Belgium football federation said it had yet to receive an official explanation of why Balogun was allowed to play. It threatened further action should Balogun be available for Monday's game.

The original decision by FIFA to overturn Balogun's one-game suspension was met with plenty of controversy. In addition to a disciplinary reversal being a rare occurrence in the World Cup, the fact that the United States is one of the host countries of the event — and that U.S. President Donald Trump got involved — led to questions about FIFA's loyalties.

In response to the decision to overturn Balogun's one-game ban, UEFA issued a scathing response, saying it could not believe "such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision."

A portion of UEFA's statement read:

"Football, like any other sports, relies on rules, which are the basis for fair, honest and transparent competition. Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not. A minimum automatic suspension of one match following a red card is not a discretionary option and does not require the decision of a competent body to be enacted. It is a principle embedded in regulations, which cannot be made subject to exceptions, let alone in the middle of a tournament where several other players have been in the same situation and regularly served their suspension.

"When the certainty of rules is no longer guaranteed by its guardians, the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined."

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter also took the organization to task, saying the game "must never become a playground for political power."

Blatter was ousted from his position due to a corruption scandal and remains suspended from taking part in FIFA activities until 2027.

On Monday, Trump confirmed his call with Infantino, taking credit for getting Balogun's ban overturned. Infantino also released a statement, saying he did speak with Trump, but that FIFA's decision was made by an independent committee.

"FIFA's judicial bodies are independent. They operate autonomously, apply the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and decide cases based on the applicable regulations and the specific facts before them. Their independence is essential to the credibility and integrity of football, and this must always be respected."

Balogun received a red card during the 64th minute of the USMNT's win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. That decision was made after officials reviewed the play on a monitor, which saw Balogun step on an opposing player's ankle as the two fought for position.

Balogun scored a goal prior to being sent off. The USMNT wound up winning the contest 2-0.

It wasn't an easy victory. With Balogun out, the USMNT was limited to 10 men over the final 30 minutes. Because of that USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino came to FIFA's defense over the ruling, saying his team was "punished enough" by having to play short-handed.

Belgium, meanwhile, was "astonished" by the decision, leading to its federation asking for clarification. Whether or not the outcome was intended, that decision prompted Monday's appeal.