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🚨 BREAKING: RBFA say they are "astonished" Flo Balogun can play against them and "investigating all potential options". "The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by FIFA's decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the USA–Belgium match on Monday, 6 July at 5:00 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 enforcement of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction. "However, Article 66.4 of the same FIFA Disciplinary Code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team's next match, as has been the case for all previous red cards issued during this FIFA World Cup. "Furthermore, and irrespective of the above, the decision is in direct contradiction with the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition 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 caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team's subsequent match. In addition, further sanctions may be imposed." "The automatic nature of such a suspension was also explicitly reaffirmed in FIFA World Cup 2026 Circular No. 16, which was distributed to all participating member associations on 12 May 2026. "The same rule is reiterated at every FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Coordination Meeting prior to each match and is included in all FIFA World Cup 2026 workshop presentations. "In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options."

A fantastic decision by FIFA. Red cards are given out as a punishment to deter bad behavior; when the behavior is accidental, issuing a punishment is entirely performative. Balogun’s red card served no purpose. Its only role would have been to unjustly handicap one of the best storylines of the tournament in their biggest (and most visible) moment so far. A fantastic move by FIFA to recognize this and correct to allow the players to decide the outcome of the game. Well done.

So by suspending the “red card” they are admitting without admitting, that the decision was absolutely wrong (which we knew). But to do this 24 hours before the game is quite a thing and will create a stir in Belgium no doubt. Right outcome, wrong process. Crazy turn of events.

Let’s go!!! The Balogun Red Card was just overturned and our top striker is officially playing in the Round of 16 vs Belgium. 🎉 Now that’s how we celebrate Independence Day! 🇺🇸

Another look at the red card on USMNT striker Folarin Balogun.

THEY GAVE FLO BALOGUN A RED CARD FOR THIS

Who's the worst QB in this photo? 💥

FIFA should make it right and allow Balogun to play next round for that garbage red card.