Belgium are taking drastic action after FIFA overturn Folarin Balogun's suspension

Belgium are set to face the United States in the World Cup round of 16, and the host nation was expected to be without Folarin Balogun after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but this suspension has been delayed.

FIFA has enacted an unknown rule to allow the American striker to be able to feature in this clash, with the USA capable of reaching the quarter final of the World Cup for the first time since 2002.

Yet, the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) are not pleased with the decision by FIFA to delay enforcing the suspension of the red card for Balogun.

The American striker has been an integral part of Mauricio Pochettino’s side, as he has netted on three occasions in the 2026 World Cup, which has helped them reach this stage of the competition.

His absence from this game could have proven to be pivotal in the USA securing a win against Belgium, and the European nation have released a statement regarding FIFA’s decision as they threaten drastic action.

Their statement said: “The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by FIFA's decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA–Belgium match on Monday, 6 July, at 5:00 p.m. (Seattle time).

"FIFA bases its decision on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This provision states that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may decide to suspend the enforcement of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction.

"However, Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team's next match, as has been the case for all previous red cards issued during this FIFA World Cup.

"Furthermore, and irrespective of the above, the decision is in direct contradiction with the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, as set out in Article 10.5:

🚨 BREAKING: RBFA say they are "astonished" Flo Balogun can play against them and "investigating all potential options".

"The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by FIFA's decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in… pic.twitter.com/zxhAFXfNzU

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 5, 2026

"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."

"The automatic nature of such a suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on 12 May 2026.

"The same rule is reiterated at every FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Coordination Meeting prior to each match and is included in all FIFA World Cup 2026 workshop presentations.

"In order 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."

Whether any further action is taken by FIFA ahead of the Belgium and United States fixture and a decision is made to suspend Balogun again is unlikely to happen, as the clash is set to take place on July 7 at 1am BST.