TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – FIFA's decision to suspend American forward Folarin Balogun's automatic one-match ban has ignited controversy ahead of the United States' 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 clash with Belgium.
The ruling allows Balogun to play despite receiving a red card in the previous round and has prompted protests from Belgium, while reports that U.S. President Donald Trump intervened have added a political dimension to the dispute.
Here is what to know about one of the biggest controversies of the 2026 World Cup knockout stage.
FIFA Suspends Balogun's Automatic Ban
Balogun received a straight red card during the United States' 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.
The 25-year-old striker opened the scoring in the 45th minute before being sent off in the 64th minute after referee Raphael Claus upgraded his decision following a VAR review of a challenge on Tarik Muharemovi.
Under FIFA regulations, a direct red card automatically carries a one-match suspension. FIFA initially stated that the referee's decision could not be appealed, confirming that Balogun would miss the Round of 16 match against Belgium.
However, one day before the knockout match, FIFA announced a dramatic reversal. In an official statement, the governing body said the enforcement of Balogun's suspension had been put on hold under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
"By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one [1] year," FIFA said, as quoted by ESPN.
The ruling allows Balogun to play against Belgium. However, if he commits a similar disciplinary offense during the one-year probationary period, the suspended ban will automatically take effect in addition to any new sanctions.
Trump Enters the Controversy
The decision drew even greater attention after ABC News reported that Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino following the United States' victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
According to the report, Trump urged FIFA to review Balogun's red card.
Shortly after FIFA announced its decision, Trump celebrated the outcome on social media, writing: "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!"
Neither FIFA nor Infantino has publicly confirmed that the reported conversation influenced the disciplinary decision.
Pochettino Defends FIFA's Decision
United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino welcomed FIFA's decision, arguing that his side had already been sufficiently punished by playing with 10 men for around 35 minutes against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
"My reaction I think is like everyone that really loved that sport, and trust on the ethic and integrity. I think we celebrate all that decision," Pochettino said.
"We were punished enough against Bosnia-Herzegovina to play with 10 men, 35 minutes in a decision that was completely unfair."
The Argentine insisted his view was not driven by national allegiance.
"But it's not only because I am the head coach of the U.S. men's national team, [and] I need to defend my side. It's only because I think it's...99.9% that we all agree that it was an unfair card," he said.
Pochettino added that he played no role in the appeal process, saying the matter was handled entirely by the U.S. Soccer Federation under the leadership of federation president J.T. Batson.
He also praised Balogun for remaining composed after the dismissal, noting that the striker shook hands with referee Claus after the match.
"The lesson is if you behave well, maybe you will be rewarded," Pochettino said.
Asked about reports of Trump's lobbying efforts, Pochettino declined to speculate.
"We cannot mix that. That is a decision of from the FIFA," he said.
Belgium Challenges the Ruling
FIFA's decision immediately prompted a strong response from Belgium.
The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was surprised by the ruling and is studying all available legal options.
In its statement, the federation argued that FIFA's decision contradicts Article 66.4 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, which states that a direct red card automatically results in a suspension for the next match. It also cited Article 10.5 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Regulations, which likewise states that players shown a direct red card or a second yellow card must serve an automatic suspension.
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia mocked FIFA's decision.
"I didn't know that at the World Cup, the 5th of July is actually the first of April -- it's April Fools' [Day]," he said, according to ESPN.
Garcia said Belgium's protest was about protecting the integrity of the sport rather than gaining a competitive advantage.
"We're not defending the national team or federation. We are defending football," he said.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also criticized the timing of FIFA's announcement, saying the late decision left Belgium with little time to adjust mentally, although he stressed the team would still be prepared.
Growing Criticism From the Football Community
The controversy has extended beyond Belgium.
Ståle Solbakken, whose Norway side advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Brazil, also criticized FIFA's decision.
"I think that's a big mistake by FIFA; it's not a great conclusion," Solbakken said. "He has got a red card, VAR concluded it was a red card, and he was sent off, so that means he is suspended for one game."
He warned the decision could create uncertainty over future disciplinary rulings.
"The Belgians will be furious, and what happens if he scores a goal that wins the game? What happens with the next red card? Will there be a committee somewhere to take the red card away?"
According to Solbakken, the controversy could overshadow any U.S. victory.
"It's a bad, bad, bad, bad decision for the World Cup, and I feel sorry for the U.S. because if they win, the result will always be looked at in that way," he said.
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