2026 FIFA World Cup: 'If this was AFCON' — Governing body slammed for Balogun decision

FIFA is facing criticism from fans, analysts, and former players following the decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's disciplinary ban ahead of the United States' 2026 FIFA World Cup round-of-16 clash against Belgium.

The governing body announced the reversal, clearing the United States forward to play in the upcoming fixture at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Balogun was originally scheduled to miss one match after receiving a straight red card during the United States' 2-0 round-of-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1.

However, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code to suspend the automatic ban for a probationary period of one year.

The decision was reportedly preceded by political pressure. Reports indicated that the White House made a direct call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card.

Following the official announcement, United States President Donald Trump took to social media to celebrate the reversal.

"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right and reversing a great injustice!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

The decision drew immediate criticism from the Belgian camp. The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) released a statement condemning the reversal, arguing it undermines the integrity of the tournament.

In their official release, the RBFA stated they were astonished by a move they described as a direct contradiction to FIFA's World Cup regulations, adding they are investigating all options to safeguard fair play.

The Balogun ruling mirrors a similar discretionary order issued by FIFA earlier in the cycle. In November, FIFA controversially deferred the final two games of a three-match ban for Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo following a red card against Ireland in a World Cup qualifier, ensuring he was available to start the tournament in North America.

The ruling sparked a wave of backlash across social media platforms, with fans and analysts questioning FIFA's transparency.

Former Democratic Republic of Congo international Yannick Bolasie highlighted the perceived double standard in how international tournaments are judged.

Bolasie took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his frustration over the narrative surrounding the administrative reversal.

"All I’ll say is if this was AFCON and they let a man play after he got a red card, the nonsense being said would be crazy."

Mauricio Pochettino's United States squad will now have their primary striker available when they face Domenico Tedesco's Belgium side for a place in the quarter-finals