FIFA has rejected an attempt by the Belgian Football Association to challenge Folarin Baloguns eligibility for Mondays World Cup last-16 clash with the United States. The governing body ruled Belgiums request for an explanation regarding the strikers suspended red-card ban was inadmissible, meaning the federation has no standing to appeal the decision.As a result, Balogun remains available to play after FIFA controversially overturned the automatic one-match suspension he received following his dismissal against Bosnia and Herzegovina.The ruling ends Belgiums hopes of preventing the United States forward from featuring in the knockout-stage encounter.Table of ContentsFIFA explains why appeal was rejectedControversy continues ahead of last-16 clashFIFA explains why appeal was rejectedIn a statement released on Monday, FIFA confirmed the Belgian federation was not considered a party to the disciplinary proceedings and therefore had no right to appeal.The FIFA Appeal Committee has rendered a request submitted by the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) as inadmissible, the statement said.FIFA added that the request was rejected because the RBFA is not a party to the proceedings and, as such, has no standing to appeal the decision.The governing body also clarified that Neil Eggleston, the chairperson of the FIFA Appeal Committee and a United States national, was not involved in the decision-making process.Belgium had sought further clarification after claiming it had not received an explanation for FIFAs decision to suspend Baloguns ban.Controversy continues ahead of last-16 clashThe dispute began after Baloguns red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina appeared set to trigger an automatic suspension.However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the ban would instead be suspended for one year, allowing the striker to remain available for selection.The decision drew criticism from Belgium, who described themselves as astonished and questioned the consistency of FIFAs disciplinary process.The controversy also attracted political attention, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirming he had discussed the matter with United States President Donald Trump.Infantino said he explained that any ruling would be made by FIFAs independent judicial bodies.Trump later acknowledged he had asked for the incident to be reviewed but denied attempting to influence the outcome.All I did was ask for a review, Trump said.I didnt say, You have to do this.' Topics Belgium National Football Team Folarin Balogun 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 USA v Belgium: Predicted line-ups, stats and preview for World Cup last-16 clash Mitch Fretton 6th July, 2026 Donald Trump confirms he spoke to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to get USA striker Baloguns ban suspended Jon Fisher 6th July, 2026 Belgium to appeal Balogun decision and accuse FIFA of a lack of transparency Jon Fisher 6th July, 2026 UEFA lay into FIFA and describe Balogun decision as an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision Jon Fisher 6th July, 2026 Belgium furious after USAs Balogun has red card suspended Mitch Fretton 6th July, 2026 World Cup 2026: Folarin Balogun eligible to play for USA against Belgium after FIFA suspends red card ban 101 GreatGoals 5th July, 2026
