FIFA makes unprecedented decision and Balogun plays quarter-finals: USA

FIFA makes unprecedented decision and Balogun plays quarter-finals: USA

According to Tuttomercatoweb.

Why this matters

FIFA's decision to allow Folarin Balogun to play in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup marks a historic moment that could change the way punishments are meted out in football. The measure generates a debate about equity in international competitions, especially in a tournament as prestigious as the World Cup. Belgium's reaction, which considers the decision unfair, could have legal implications and affect the dynamics between the participating teams.

Main conclusions

• FIFA makes unprecedented decision and Balogun plays quarter-finals: USA.
• FIFA made a historic decision by allowing USA striker Folarin Balogun to play in the World Cup quarter-finals, even after being sent off.
• Folarin Balogun remains central to USA's plans.

The 2026 World Cup continues to surprise with decisions that defy football tradition. In an unprecedented episode, FIFA decided to suspend the punishment of Folarin Balogun, striker for the United States national team, allowing him to participate in the quarter-finals against Belgium, even after being sent off in the previous game against Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA's decision, based on article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, is the first time that an expelled player has had his sanction suspended, thus allowing him to play in the following match. This article makes it possible to suspend a punishment without the need for specific justifications, which raises questions about fairness and the application of rules in football. The atmosphere between the teams is not the best, especially for the Belgium team, which has already expressed dissatisfaction with the decision. The Belgian committee is evaluating its legal options and protesting what it considers an injustice. "We are looking at what we can do about it," a team spokesperson said. This situation could be a watershed in the way cards and punishments are handled in international tournaments. Historically, since the introduction of cards in 1970, there has never been a situation where a sent-off player could play in the following match. The closest case was in 1962, when Garrincha, expelled in a semi-final, was able to compete in the final. However, this happened in a context where the rules were applied more flexibly and with less pressure from the media and sponsors. Balogun's situation also echoes more recent cases, such as that of Jude Bellingham, who faced a suspension after a gesture deemed inappropriate, and Cristiano Ronaldo, who had a previous punishment changed. These decisions often become controversial and generate debates about the integrity of competitions. The repercussion of the decision did not go unnoticed by public figures, including former US President Donald Trump, who expressed support for FIFA's decision, stating that it was a correction of an injustice. The close relationship between Trump and Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, may have influenced the decision, raisingeven more debates about politics and football. With the quarterfinals approaching, expectations are high for the clash between the USA and Belgium. Balogun's participation promises to spice up the dispute even more, but the consequences of FIFA's decision could echo for a long time in the world of football.

What happens next

With Belgium evaluating its legal options, the situation could lead to a formal protest against FIFA's decision. The Belgian team's discontent could result in greater pressure on football's highest governing body, especially in relation to the application of disciplinary rules. Meanwhile, the USA is preparing to face Belgium in the quarterfinals, with Balogun on the field, which could influence the American team's performance at the 2026 World Cup.