FIFA has ruled that Belgium’s appeal challenging its decision to suspend the World Cup ban imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun is inadmissible, effectively allowing the forward to remain available for the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement released on Monday, world football’s governing body confirmed that its Appeal Committee had rejected the request submitted by the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA).
“The FIFA Appeal Committee has rendered a request submitted by the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) as inadmissible in relation to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision to suspend for one year the match suspension imposed on United States national-team player Folarin Balogun,” FIFA said.
The ruling means the earlier decision by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee remains in force, with Balogun’s one-match suspension put on hold for one year. As a result, the striker remains eligible to feature for the United States during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Belgium had sought to overturn the disciplinary decision, but FIFA’s Appeal Committee declined to hear the case, describing the appeal as inadmissible. FIFA did not provide further details explaining why the request failed to meet the requirements for consideration.
The decision is a significant boost for the United States as the tournament progresses, with Balogun expected to continue playing a key role in the team’s attacking lineup.
FIFA’s latest ruling brings an end, for now, to the dispute over Balogun’s eligibility and allows the focus to return to the action on the pitch as the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its crucial stages.
