According to Sky Sports News, the Norwegian Soccer Federation will file a complaint with the FIFA Ethics Committee regarding the rescinding of the suspension for USA forward Folarin Balogun following the intervention by Donald Trump.

In an interview with The Times, Norwegian Soccer Federation president Lise Klaveness spoke out on the issue. “When a rule like this is bypassed, you enter a slippery slope that will jeopardize all of soccer,” Klaveness emphasized. “Questioning its fundamental rules constitutes a threat to this sport.”

The Federation President strongly opposed what happened

The decision ultimately had a significant impact on the USA, as stated by Balogun himself. The forward did not put together a strong performance and apologized to fans after the team was eliminated—an incident that will go down in history. However, Klaveness maintains that this scenario should never have taken place.

“First of all, this should never have happened. Now it is essential to have honest communication about it,” Klaveness continued. “We all know that this verdict was influenced by external forces and that it did not follow the proper procedure.” She added: “We need FIFA leadership to acknowledge that this is a mistake.”

The head of the Norwegian Soccer Federation was previously the sole official to formally protest against the “Peace Award” granted by FIFA president Gianni Infantino to the U.S. president last December.

The Norwegian soccer executive also told The Times that she was “disappointed, but not necessarily surprised” by FIFA’s lack of transparency in the matter and by the fact that the governing body has not published the full ruling explaining its decision. Despite Balogun’s participation, Belgium ultimately won 4-1 against the USA, eliminating the co-hosts.

According to Donald Trump, he personally reached out to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to advocate for overturning Balogun’s red card. Ultimately, the striker was reinstated and cleared to play, sparking intense outrage within the Belgian Football Association.

Despite Balogun starting against the Red Devils, the USMNT was thoroughly defeated and eliminated from the World Cup. Reflecting after the match, the striker, after apologizing to USA’s fans over the elimination, admitted that the controversy surrounding his presence on the pitch may have negatively impacted the team’s focus and performance.

“I could almost see within my teammates a bit of nerves because it was something that’s so unique,“ Balogun told CBS on Tuesday. “But the closer we got to the game, I tried to just focus as best as I could.”

“When something is not intentional … it should never be a red card. So it was just an unfortunate situation and I think, you know, it put a lot more pressure on us than we needed. “

Belgium showed no mercy to the USMNT

Following FIFA’s decision to overturn Balogun’s suspension, the Belgian camp was left in complete disbelief. Several players voiced their frustration publicly before taking their answer directly to the pitch.

Belgium dominated the USMNT in a 4-1 victory and appeared determined to push the scoreline even higher. After the match, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois went as far as claiming that Senegal had provided a tougher test, making no secret of his disgust over Balogun’s reinstatement.

While Belgium was eventually eliminated by Spain in the quarterfinals, supporters of the Red Devils viewed the statement victory over the USA as a massive point of pride—overcoming pre-match controversy to deliver a commanding performance on the pitch.

Balogun didn’t make an impact vs Belgium

Belgium complained vocally about Balogun’s reinstatement, given his strong 2026 World Cup campaign. However, the striker made virtually no impact during their Round of 16 clash against the Red Devils, who mocked the USMNT during the game.

Balogun played all 90 minutes without registering a single shot on target. He finished with a modest 6.3 rating on Sofascore, reflecting the heavy burden and scrutiny surrounding his high-profile reintegration.

“My debut World Cup… it hurts to wait four years to compete at the highest level our sport has to offer. I want to say sorry to our fans. It was not good enough when it mattered most and we let you down,” Balogun wrote on X after the final whistle, reflecting on the team’s elimination.

Balogun’s appearance against Belgium had already become one of the tournament’s biggest talking points after FIFA overturned his suspension ahead of the knockout match. Although the striker returned to the starting lineup, he was unable to influence the game as Belgium advanced to the quarterfinals with a convincing victory.

Balogun apologizes after the United States’ World Cup exit

Following the defeat, which led Belgium to USA and FIFA, Balogun thanked supporters while expressing confidence that American soccer will continue to grow despite the disappointing result. “Soccer in America will only become bigger. The belief, the talent, and the passion is continually growing and I know the best days are in front of us.”

He also added, “The future belongs to those who never stop believing. This moment will fuel us. We will be back. Why not us? For the nation. For the flag.” Belgium controlled much of the Round of 16 contest, with Charles De Ketelaere scoring twice before Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku completed the 4-1 victory.

Balogun’s participation remained a major talking point

The decision generated widespread discussion ahead of the Round of 16 after reports of a phone call from Donald Trump to Gianni Infantino regarding Balogun’s red card, while Mauricio Pochettino publicly celebrated the striker’s availability.

FIFA later fined Balogun after the case was reviewed, although the FIFA Disciplinary Committee explained why Balogun could play against Belgium despite the disciplinary proceedings.

In the end, the controversy surrounding Balogun’s participation was overshadowed by Belgium’s dominant performance, which ended the United States’ World Cup campaign.

Peter Rutzler shared the details of this post-match interaction on X. “He [Balogun] came to talk to me. I really liked that. It’s not his fault, he’s not the one to blame, I told him that. I appreciate the intention of him speaking to me.” Garcia said.

Rutzler fully quoted the Belgium manager explaining that the overturned red card ultimately made zero impact on his squad. “What really mattered to us was our game plan“ Garcia stated.

Will the Balogun and FIFA controversy end here?

The drama surrounding FIFA overturning Balogun’s red card from the Bosnia and Herzegovina match will likely quiet down now that the United States is officially out of the tournament. Because the US team cannot progress any further in the 2026 World Cup, the immediate sporting consequences of that controversial ruling have effectively evaporated.

However, the governing body itself will face lingering questions about its disciplinary consistency and appeal processes long after the World Cup. While the tournament moves on without the Americans, soccer analysts will continue to use this specific incident as a textbook example of VAR and administrative debate.

Could this affect Balogun’s professional career?

This type of World Cup controversy is highly unlikely to negatively impact Balogun’s professional career or his standing at the club level with Monaco. If anything, his mature decision to personally address Rudi Garcia after a painful elimination shows a high level of character that managers value.

Not only was eliminating them from the tournament enough, but Belgium also responded with a clear message on their social media, posting “Overturn this” alongside an emoji of a person pointing to their ear, which can be interpreted as a “keep talking” gesture.

This result leaves many doubts regarding the future of USA, such as their presence in the next World Cup. They had a great campaign, but it was ultimately stained by everything that transpired with the Balogun topic. What is set, however, is the date and location for the quarterfinal matchup between Spain and Belgium.

A sweet victory for Belgium

The elimination of USA, which follows those of Mexico and Canada also in the Round of 16, leaves the World Cup without any of the three host nations. The presence of Balogun on the pitch had the opposite effect of what USA expected.

The hosts shrank before the furious start of the Red Devils and even shot themselves in the foot with an error on a clearance by goalkeeper Matt Freese, which allowed Belgium to pull ahead 4-1.

Balogun’s presence was not the only surprise in the lineups in Seattle, as Belgium shook up their eleven by leaving Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku on the bench. The Red Devils did not miss their stars in the slightest during a dizzying start to the match that left the local defense shaking, as the team gradually finds its system of play.

Sebastian Berhalter and Balogun himself came close to putting USA back in the game, but it was Romelu Lukaku who certified the harsh rout in the 90+3′ minute. Now, Belgium arrive motivated and eager to return to the World Cup semifinals, attempting to knock out a contender like Spain.

The winger was booked following an altercation with Matias Galarza, who fell to the ground clutching his face, though replays showed the Bayern Munich forward was only holding his jersey. The caution would mean Olise misses a hypothetical World Cup semifinal if he sees another yellow card and France advance from their quarterfinal match against Morocco.

Under the circumstances, this would seemingly be “fair” as unprecedented events are unfolding in a World Cup, and FIFA will not want to make the host look bad—especially when it is said that everything happened after a phone call from Donald Trump to Gianni Infantino regarding Balogun’s red card.

Other players on the brink for France

Olise is not the only one on the ropes; Bradley Barcola and Manu Kone, who were also warned against Paraguay, face the same suspension in the event of another yellow card. However, an appeal for Olise is more likely due to the high level, world-class form, and importance he is carrying for France.

FIFA issue punishment

Despite the decision sparking tremendous controversy—ensuring Balogun starts in the matchup against Belgium and leaving Mauricio Pochettino celebrating his presence—FIFA has decided to fine the forward while upholding the decision to overturn his expulsion.

As the FIFA Disciplinary Committee explained on why Balogun can play against Belgium, they put their approach on full display. “On 5 July 2026, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee found Balogun guilty of both infringements, imposed a one-match suspension (suspended on probation for one year) and a USD 40,000 fine, and notified the parties of the decision,” FIFA’s latest statement on the polarizing overturning of Balogun’s ban read.

“In addition to the suspended match ban, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee imposed a fine of USD 40,000, allocating half of the amount to the violation of Article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and half to the violation of Article 66 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”

Regardless, Belgium were left astonished following this resolution. Furthermore, direct complaints have been received from Belgium coach Rudi Garcia after the decision was made—something that will surely go down in history among the negative marks of this World Cup.

However, while the governing body has given the USMNT the green light to play its leading goalscorer in a crucial elimination game at the 2026 World Cup, FIFA revealed the Stars and Stripes and Balogun aren’t getting away with the financial side of Balogun’s infraction. As the FIFA Disciplinary Committee doubled down on why Balogun can play against Belgium, they put their carrot-and-stick approach on full display.

“On 5 July 2026, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee found Balogun guilty of both infringements, imposed a one-match suspension (suspended on probation for one year) and a USD 40,000 fine, and notified the parties of the decision,” FIFA’s latest statement on the polarizing overturning of Balogun’s ban read.

“In addition to the suspended match ban, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee imposed a fine of USD 40,000, allocating half of the amount to the violation of Article 14 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and half to the violation of Article 66 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”

U.S. Soccer Federation can pay for half of the fine

Although being fined $40,000 in the midst of the 2026 World Cup is far from ideal for the USA and Balogun, the striker can be grateful he won’t have to foot the bill entirely. As FIFA explained, the U.S. Soccer Federation can cover half of the fine, leaving Balogun responsible for the remaining $20,000.

“The U.S. Soccer Federation was declared jointly liable for payment of the fine pursuant to Article 6.5 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code,” FIFA’s statement on the Balogun case explained.

Balogun declared eligible—and he’ll start

All things considered, Balogun is essentially paying a $20,000 fee to step onto the pitch and play in a Round of 16 match as the Stars and Stripes try to make USA history at the World Cup. Considering some of the ticket prices listed across resale platforms, one could argue Balogun and the United States got themselves a bargain.

However, as with every great deal, there is usually a third party that gets the short end of the stick, and that’s clearly Belgium. The Red Devils will now have to face a red-hot striker who wasn’t part of national team head coach Rudi Garcia’s game plan until just one day before the Round of 16 matchup between the USA and Belgium in Seattle (Lumen Field).

FIFA set risky precedent with Balogun

Although Christian Pulisic defended FIFA’s decision to cancel Balogun’s suspension, it may have opened the floodgates and set a precedent at soccer’s biggest tournament. Nothing may be the same at the 2026 World Cup.

In fact, it may have already started. According to reports, Balogun’s case has England considering an appeal of Jarrel Quansah’s red card against Mexico. After all, the Three Lions may have nothing to lose even if the appeal is unsuccessful, and what’s to stop the rest of the participating countries from following suit?

Via a 13-point new press release, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee stated in point five, “the FIFA Disciplinary Committee went on to apply Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, under which it has discretion to suspend the implementation of any disciplinary measures, and ordered that the implementation of the one-match suspension be suspended for a probationary period of one year.

“As a result, Balogun is not required to immediately serve the suspension. Instead, the sanction remains dormant during the probationary period and will only be activated if he commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during that one-year period.”

Did FIFA give an explanation as to why it took this decision?

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee went on to explain, in point 10, the reason why this decision was taken. “Consistent with Article 27 of the FDC, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee decided to suspend for a probationary period of one (1) year the implementation of the automatic match suspension… Said suspension of the implementation was decided considering all of the specific circumstances surrounding the incident and evidence available.“

Even UEFA was astonished by FIFA’s decision and supported Belgium. However, FIFA kind of made an irony comment on UEFA’s “red line” accusation in this statement.

FIFA made a passive-aggressive defense on its stance

FIFA also stated, “Reviewing the legal consequences of red cards in football is nothing new in the modern game. For instance, in the majority of top-tier leagues belonging to UEFA-affiliated member associations – the overturning of red cards is a common disciplinary measure, yet this has never raised concerns about crossing any “red line”. And again, it should be emphasized that in the decision under scrutiny, the red card was not overturned.”

Responding in such a direct way to UEFA really is a passive-aggressive move. As a matter of fact, it remains to be seen if this will harm both organization’s relationships in the future.

Sky Sports reported that the FA is seeking a review of the defender’s case, after he was sent off just minutes into the second half at Estadio Azteca. At the VAR’s recommendation, a challenge involving an alleged studs-up tackle resulted in a red card.

Balogun’s case, which even involved a call from Donald Trump to Gianni Infantino, could set a precedent in World Cup history. The Three Lions, meanwhile, are hoping to have Quansah available for the quarterfinals.

What happened with Balogun?

In his most recent match for the USMNT, Folarin Balogun was sent off after a heavy challenge on his Bosnia & Herzegovina opponent. FIFA decided to overturn the ruling, a move that sparked significant discontent, including from Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia.

UEFA was one of the bodies that supported the Belgian Football Association’s appeal, as did Switzerland through a statement. However, many others also expressed support for the No. 20.

Among them, Mauricio Pochettino celebrated the decision to overturn the ruling, describing it as unjust. Christian Pulisic, meanwhile, also came to his teammate’s defense, who will now be available for the next match.

What’s next for England?

England’s path to a potential final has now been shortened after eliminating Mexico from the World Cup with a narrow 3–2 win. Thomas Tuchel’s side knows it will face a tough challenge in the quarterfinals.

England and Norway are set to face off in a closely contested match, with a place in the semifinals on the line. The game will be played on July 11 at 5:00 PM ET in Miami Gardens at Miami Stadium.

The winner will know they could face one of four strong opponents in the semifinals: Argentina, Egypt, Colombia, or Switzerland. That match would be played on July 15 in Atlanta.

Potential Quansah replacement

If Jarell Quansah’s automatic match suspension is not successfully overturned following his red card, England’s coaching staff will likely turn to defenders Marc Guehi, Trevoh Chalobah, or Ezri Konsa to anchor the backline against Norway.

Tuchel openly challenged the transparency of the process. “Who overturns this decision and when and on what grounds? And how far does this go now?” Tuchel asked, pulling no punches about his frustration. “It is just strange for me. We just want to have consistency in the decisions. So, is our yellow card after the first minute against Declan Rice… we can now debate endlessly? I think it’s not a yellow card.”

England head coach’s comments echo a growing wave of skepticism sweeping through the tournament, with a sarcastic comments about Donald Trump talking to FIFA to lift the ban for Jarell Quansah, who was sent off in the game against Mexico. The fallout previously forced FIFA President Gianni Infantino to play damage control, publicly defending the integrity of the decision while admitting he received a personal phone call from Trump regarding the matter.

Belgium have already issued two formal statements, expressing that they are “deeply concerned” by a sudden paradigm shift that swings heavily in the USMNT’s favor. While Balogun is now fully cleared for the Round of 16 showdown, it remains to be seen whether Mauricio Pochettino will thrust him straight back into the starting lineup.

Switzerland join chorus of opposition over Balogun ruling

Standing in solidarity with Belgium, Switzerland have also taken a firm stance against FIFA’s unprecedented intervention. Swiss officials publicly warned that erasing the suspension sets a dangerous precedent, as the tournament reaches its most critical single-elimination phase.

Even UEFA has weighed in on the controversy, throwing its institutional support behind its European counterpart. Belgium manager Rudi Garcia didn’t hide his disdain either, offering a biting, sarcastic response when pressed on the ruling that directly impacts his game plan.

USMNT camp rallies behind FIFA’s reversal

Predictably, the mood inside the US camp is completely different. Team captain Christian Pulisic strongly defended the ruling, reiterating the squad’s internal belief that Balogun’s initial red card was a massive officiating error that never warranted a multi-game ban in the first place.

Alongside Pulisic, manager Mauricio Pochettino spent the week celebrating the roster boost after FIFA’s decision. Balogun stands as one of the Americans’ most lethal attacking weapons, and his availability fundamentally changes the tactical outlook for the USA against Belgium, a high-stakes fixture that has already finalized its refereeing crew.

“The decision in the Balogun case is incomprehensible to the Swiss Football Association (SFA), regardless of how it came about. Until now, the principle has been clear: any player sent off is automatically suspended for the next match. This rule applied equally to everyone and provided clarity and consistency,” the Swiss Football Association’s statement begins.

The release also raises questions about the credibility of the officiating in the tournament: “This decision raises questions and creates uncertainty, particularly regarding the authority of referees’ decisions, especially when the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) is involved. The credibility of the competition depends on clear rules that are applied consistently.”

The controversy grew so much in the court of public opinion that Donald Trump revealed he had spoken directly with Gianni Infantino. The FIFA president confirmed the call but denied that it had any influence on the final decision to review the case.

The soccer world reacts

Once the news emerged that Balogun’s suspension had been overturned, reactions from across the soccer world quickly followed. USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino celebrated the decision, arguing that the suspension had been unfair. As a result, he will have his striker available for the Round of 16 clash against Belgium.

Another prominent figure to weigh in was England head coach Thomas Tuchel, who even questioned how far this type of decision-making could go in soccer. Christian Pulisic, meanwhile, strongly defended FIFA’s decision to lift Balogun’s suspension.

What will happen with Balogun?

USMNT face a tough challenge against Belgium in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, and their future in the tournament will depend on whether they win, tie, or lose. The good news for the team is that Folarin Balogun is expected to be available for this crucial match.

Having Balogun available will be crucial for Pochettino. The striker has scored three goals so far in the tournament and remains one of the team’s most dangerous attacking weapons. The winner of this clash will face the winner of Spain vs. Portugal on July 10 at 3 PM ET at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

Switzerland, meanwhile, are on the other side of the bracket. They will first face Colombia in Vancouver on Tuesday, July 7, and in the potential quarterfinals they would meet the winner of the match between Argentina and Egypt on Saturday, July 11 in Kansas City.