Belgium coach Rudi Garcia has criticised FIFAs decision to overturn Folarin Baloguns automatic suspension ahead of the United States World Cup last-16 clash with his side. Balogun had been expected to miss Mondays match after receiving a red card during the USAs victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the previous round.However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the strikers one-match ban had been lifted, allowing him to feature against Belgium.The decision prompted a strong reaction from Garcia, who suggested he initially thought the news was a joke.I didnt know that at the World Cup, the 5th of July is actually the first of April its April Fools, he said.The Belgian Football Association later released a statement expressing its dissatisfaction and confirmed it was examining its options in response to the ruling.Table of ContentsGarcia says Belgium are defending footballCourtois focused on the challenge aheadGarcia says Belgium are defending footballBelgiums federation described itself as astonished by FIFAs decision and argued it contradicted the disciplinary guidelines issued before the tournament.Garcia insisted the issue went beyond Belgiums own interests.Were not defending the national team or federation, he said. We are defending football.Balogun was sent off after a challenge that initially went unpunished before video review resulted in a red card. Under normal circumstances, a one-match suspension automatically follows such dismissals.The unexpected reversal has raised questions over consistency in the tournaments disciplinary process, with Belgium unhappy at both the outcome and the timing of the decision.Courtois focused on the challenge aheadBelgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois acknowledged the late decision had complicated preparations but stressed his side would be ready regardless of Baloguns availability.Had it been done earlier, wed have been able to be mentally more prepared perhaps, Courtois said.Its good that we have another training session, but well be ready. Well be on the pitch. They have 11 players, not only Balogun.Courtois also highlighted the qualities Balogun brings to the American attack.He is a very fast striker, he said. Maybe a different profile than Pepi. They have a lot of quality up front. Topics Belgium National Football Team United States Men's National Soccer Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read World Cup 2026: Folarin Balogun eligible to play for USA against Belgium after FIFA suspends red card ban 101 GreatGoals 5th July, 2026 USA boss Pochettino backs sad Balogun over World Cup 2026 red card: Never intentional Ben Miller 2nd July, 2026 United States 2-0 Bosnia-Herzegovina: 10-men co-hosts progress despite Balogun red Nicholas McGee 2nd July, 2026 Balogun strikes on stroke of half-time to put USA on course for last 16 Nicholas McGee 2nd July, 2026 LIVE USA v Bosnia and Herzegovina: Commentary, updates, goals and stats Jon Fisher 1st July, 2026 Belgium 3-2 Senegal: Tielemans completes remarkable comeback with controversial penalty Nicholas McGee 2nd July, 2026
