FIFA reverses U.S. striker suspension ahead of World Cup match against Belgium

FIFA announced on Sunday that U.S. forward Folarin Balogun is eligible to play in the team’s World Cup match against Belgium later that day. The decision reversed an earlier suspension that had been imposed after Balogun received a red card. FIFA cited Article 27 of its disciplinary code as the basis for the change.

Belgian response The Royal Belgian Football Association stated it was “astonished” by the ruling and is examining all available options to safeguard the rights of participating teams. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia compared the timing of the announcement to an April Fools’ Day joke and referred questions to the federation’s statement.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said the squad would focus on winning the match on the field rather than the administrative change.

U.S. team reaction U.S. defender Chris Richards said several teammates initially thought reports of Balogun’s reinstatement were generated by artificial intelligence. Midfielder Christian Pulisic noted that personnel can change before matches and said the team would prepare for different possibilities. The match is scheduled for later on Sunday in Seattle.