Explore the latest developments concerning Astonished Belgium vow.
Astonished Belgium vow to ‘defend football’ after Fifa’s shock Balogun reversal
USMNT reaction to Fifa flip: âThought it was AI at firstâ
As a Fifa media officer read aloud the statement confirming the governing bodyâs shock reversal of US striker Folarin Balogunâs suspension on Sunday, Belgium coach Rudi Garcia and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois put their poker faces to work. Garcia stared straight down the aisle of the press conference room at Seattle Stadium. Courtoisâs eyes fluttered about, perhaps masking some rolls as he faced a press pack eager to make sense of an unexpected World Cup twist.
Balogunâs reinstatement came across as a joke to the Belgian boss, though he hardly seemed ready for a laugh.
AUDIO: FIFA slammed over decision to suspend US player's game ban
Soccer Football – FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 32 – United States v Bosnia and Herzegovina – San Francisco Bay Area Stadium, Santa Clara, California, U.S. – July 1, 2026 Folarin Balogun of the U.S. reacts after receiving a red card (REUTERS/Carlos Barria)
Folarin Balogun's one-game ban has surprisingly been suspended by FIFA, clearing the American striker to play in the team's World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium.
The decision has been praised by US President Donald Trump but prompted outrage from the Red Devils.
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‘Shameful’ Trump act slammed after US star’s ban overturned
FIFA’s decision to overturn Folarin Balogun’s one-game suspension at the World Cup after an intervention from Donald Trump has incited fury, with the US star now free to play against Belgium in the round of 16.
Balogun was handed a red card during the host nation’s clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which initially ruled him out of the next match.
But in a stunning turn of events, the governing body have pushed back the striker’s suspension by a year, allowing him to play on Tuesday (AEST).
It has since been widely reported that White House officials made a direct call to FIFA asking boss Gianni Infantino to review Balogun’s sanction.
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