Former American football player previews USA’s game against Belgium
Former USMNT defender Jonathan Bornstein previews the FIFA World Cup match against Belgium. Bornstein says this current generation is the most talented USMNT team ever, featuring players from Europe’s top clubs. He explains how the team’s exciting journey is accelerating the growth and popularity of soccer across America, inspiring young fans.
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Belgium is crying foul after FIFA axed USMNT star Folarin Balogun ahead of Monday’s World Cup round of 16 in Seattle.
The Royal Belgian Football Association issued a statement on overturning the suspension, saying it was “stunned by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended American player Folarin Balogun eligible to play”, arguing that the decision violates both the FIFA Disciplinary Code and World Cup regulations.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at the Semafor World Economy 2026 conference in Washington, DC, April 15, 2026. (Kent Nishimura/AFP)
The federation concluded by affirming that it is “studying all possible options” to protect “the legitimate rights of all participating teams and preserve the fundamental principles of fair play”.
FIFA issues final decision on controversial red card suspension of American soccer star Folarin Balogun
But FIFA was not convinced.
“In application of article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the application of the automatic suspension of the American player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year,” indicated the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in a press release.
The decision means Balogun, sent off against Bosnia-Herzegovina, is eligible to face Belgium on Monday evening.
USA’S WORLD CUP STAR CALLS LACK OF APPEAL PROCESS FOR TEAMMATE’S RED CARD ‘WRONG’
President Trump celebrated the decision on Truth Social, thanking FIFA “for doing what was right and overturning a great injustice!” » Trump also welcomed Balogun’s reinstatement and predicted a strong performance by the Americans against Belgium.
President Donald Trump, Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, and Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, pose for a selfie with Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, during the official drawing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, December 5, 2025. (Hector Vivas/FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
It’s not difficult to understand why Belgium wanted Balogun sidelined. The American forward leads the United States with three goals in this tournament.
Balogun scored against Bosnia and Herzegovina before receiving a red card in the 64th minute after a VAR review improved the challenge.
FORMER TEAM USA STAR WANTS TO SEE RED CARD RULE CHANGE AFTER FOLARIN BALOGUN CONTROVERSY
American striker Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card was one of the most notable moments in the team’s victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images))
The dismissal immediately sparked debate among fans and pundits, many of whom felt the punishment was too harsh.
The United States learned of FIFA’s decision as it arrived Sunday morning for training in the Seattle area.
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Belgium enters Monday’s round of 16 ranked 9th in the FIFA world rankings after handing the United States a 5-2 defeat in a friendly in March.
But World Cup knockout football is a different animal.
At kickoff Monday night in Seattle, Balogun will be exactly where Belgium hoped he wouldn’t be: on the field.
FULL DECLARATION
“The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is stunned by FIFA’s decision to declare suspended American player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA-Belgium match scheduled for Monday, July 6 at 5 p.m. (Seattle time).
“FIFA bases its decision on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. This provision states that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee may decide to suspend the application of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction.
“However, Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (exclusion) automatically results in a suspension for the team’s next match, as has been the case for all red cards given previously during this FIFA World Cup.
“Moreover, and regardless of the above, this decision directly contradicts the provisions of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Regulations, as set out in Article 10.5:
“‘If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second warning), he will be automatically suspended for his team’s next match. In addition, other sanctions may be imposed.’
“The automatic nature of such suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in 2026 FIFA World Cup Circular No. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on 12 May 2026.
“This rule is reiterated during each 2026 FIFA World Cup match coordination meeting before each match and appears in all workshop presentations dedicated to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and preserve the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both during this FIFA World Cup and in future editions of the tournament, the URBSFA is studying all possible options.”
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