Belgium's football federation has strongly criticised FIFA after the governing body suspended the one-match ban imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun, making him eligible to play in the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium.

Balogun had been sent off during the USA's previous knockout victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the automatic suspension appearing to rule him out of the next fixture.

However, FIFA invoked Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which allows the enforcement of certain disciplinary measures to be suspended, despite there being no formal appeal process available for Balogun's dismissal.The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was astonished by the decision, arguing that it directly contradicts Article 66.4 of FIFA's own Disciplinary Code, which states that a red card automatically results in suspension for the team's next match.

The federation also cited the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations and official tournament guidance, all of which reaffirm the automatic nature of such suspensions.

Belgium manager Rudi Garcia described the decision as damaging to football's integrity and said his concerns extended beyond the immediate impact on his team's chances.

The controversy intensified after US President Donald Trump praised FIFA for reversing what he described as an injustice, prompting wider debate over the independence and consistency of FIFA's disciplinary processes because of his relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Belgium has stated that it is examining all possible options to defend what it considers the principles of fair play and equal treatment during the tournament.