Soccer-FIFA rejects Belgium challenge over Balogun eligibility, Trump calls red card U-turn 'brilliant'

Soccer-FIFA rejects Belgium challenge over Balogun eligibility centers on FIFA’s decision to reinstate U.S. striker Folarin Balogun after controversy over his World Cup red-card suspension. FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the disciplinary process on Monday, saying FIFA’s judicial bodies operate independently and that the Balogun case remains part of an ongoing legal process. The dispute escalated after U.S. President Donald Trump publicly praised FIFA’s decision to suspend the ban, calling the reversal “brilliant” after urging FIFA to review the matter. UEFA criticized the move as crossing a “red line,” and the Royal Belgian Football Association, along with multiple federations, coaches, officials and politicians, condemned FIFA’s action. Belgium challenged Balogun’s eligibility for the match against the U.S. for a quarterfinal spot, but FIFA rejected the appeal. Balogun was sent off for a tackle during the U.S. win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, a penalty that typically triggers an automatic one-match ban.