WORLD CUP | Belgium Astonished After FIFA Wipes Folarin Balogun Suspension Before Last-16 Clash

Belgium said they were “astonished” after FIFA wiped United States striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension ahead of their World Cup last-16 meeting, according to Yahoo Sports. Balogun’s ban was “suspended” on Monday after he was sent off in the U.S. round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Royal Belgian Football Association said FIFA cited Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, but argued it contradicts Article 66.4 of the same code and Article 10.5 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations, which state a red card triggers an automatic suspension for the next match. Belgium said Balogun was declared eligible for the USA–Belgium match on Monday, 6 July at 5:00 p.m. (Seattle time), and added it is investigating its options.