Belgium has formally protested FIFA's decision to lift the suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in their 2026 World Cup Round of 16 match.
The Royal Belgian Football Association argues the move undermines FIFA's rules on automatic red-card suspensions. FIFA's reversal followed a reported intervention by US President Donald Trump, who contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review. The suspension originated from a controversial red card in a prior match.
Market reactions have been immediate. The probability of a US win or advancement against Belgium has risen to 18.5% YES, up from 16% previously. This indicates investors view Balogun's availability as a performance enhancer for the US team.