Balogun Reinstated by FIFA: Belgian Press Denounces Scandal Before Round of 16 Against United States

FIFA has annulled the automatic suspension of American striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup against Belgium in Seattle. The disciplinary commission’s decision, which converted a direct red card into a suspended sentence via Article 27 of the disciplinary code, triggered unanimous indignation across Belgian media.

Le Soir was the first to raise concerns about direct political pressure, citing revelations from American media that a call from Donald Trump to Gianni Infantino preceded FIFA’s reversal. “By converting Balogun’s firm suspension into a suspended sentence, FIFA creates a catastrophic precedent and bows to the co-host country. This is a travesty of justice that seriously tarnishes the credibility of this 2026 World Cup,” wrote the major Brussels newspaper.

La Dernière Heure adopted a more aggressive tone and relayed the shock of the Belgian Football Association (RBFA), hoping the affront would serve as a mental trigger for Rudi Garcia’s team. “This denial of justice must transform our Red Devils into hungry wolves. The best answer to the Trump-Infantino axis will be given on the pitch in Seattle,” the newspaper stated.

In Flanders, Het Laatste Nieuws, the country’s most-read newspaper, denounced a “crude legal pirouette” and highlighted that Bosnia, the initial victim of Balogun’s foul, is doubly wronged. “The rules apparently are not the same for everyone when the economic and political interests of the host country are at stake,” the newspaper analyzed.

On RTBF, football analysts agreed that the match has already begun behind the scenes at the global governing body. “If Balogun qualifies the United States, that qualification will forever be tainted by suspicion of institutional corruption,” the public broadcaster warned. Flemish broadcaster Sporza noted the embarrassed silence of American manager Mauricio Pochettino, who is attempting to separate sport from politics.

Belgian media is unanimous: faced with what it calls a “regulatory heist,” the Red Devils have no choice but to respond on the pitch.