06/07/2026
FIFA has dismissed Belgium’s challenge to Folarin Balogun’s eligibility, clearing the United States striker to play against Belgium in Monday’s World Cup Round of 16 match in Seattle.
Balogun was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina and initially received a one-match suspension. However, FIFA later overturned the ban after an extraordinary review involving U.S. Soccer, government officials, a legal team, and reported intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Belgium objected to the decision, arguing it had “no alternative” but to challenge Balogun’s eligibility. FIFA’s Appeals Committee rejected the challenge, ruling it inadmissible because the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) was not a party to the original disciplinary proceedings and therefore had no legal standing to appeal.
The RBFA responded by expressing frustration over FIFA’s handling of the case, saying it had yet to receive the written reasons for the decision, a copy of the ruling declaring Balogun eligible, or the referee’s report. The federation argued this was a breach of FIFA regulations and confirmed it had informed U.S. Soccer that it contests Balogun’s eligibility should he be included on the matchday team sheet, leaving open the possibility of further legal action.
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia said the situation raised broader concerns about the integrity of the tournament, describing it as unprecedented in World Cup history. While insisting his focus remained on preparing his team, Garcia said the Belgian federation was defending the principles of fairness and ethics in football.
The controversy intensified after reports that President Donald Trump personally contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of Balogun’s suspension. A source familiar with the matter confirmed that a conversation took place, and Trump later praised FIFA on Truth Social for reversing what he described as “a great injustice.”
Balogun has been a key player for the United States during the tournament, scoring twice against Paraguay before adding another goal against Bosnia after returning to the starting lineup.
U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino defended FIFA’s decision, arguing the original red card should never have been issued. He maintained that the United States had already paid the price by playing more than 30 minutes with 10 men and rejected suggestions that his team had received preferential treatment.
With FIFA’s ruling in place, Balogun remains eligible to face Belgium, although the RBFA has indicated it is considering additional legal options after the match.
Here are several SAT Reading and Writing–style questions based on the passage, followed by an answer key and explanations.
Question 1: Central Idea
Which choice best states the main purpose of the passage?
A. To argue that FIFA should never reverse suspensions during the World Cup.
B. To explain the controversy surrounding FIFA's decision to make Folarin Balogun eligible and Belgium's unsuccessful appeal.
C. To compare the coaching philosophies of the United States and Belgium.
D. To criticize Donald Trump's involvement in international soccer.
Answer: B
Explanation: The passage primarily explains FIFA's decision, Belgium's challenge, and the controversy surrounding Balogun's eligibility.
Question 2: Detail
According to the passage, why did FIFA dismiss Belgium's appeal?
A. Belgium submitted its appeal after the deadline.
B. FIFA concluded Balogun had not committed a red-card offense.
C. Belgium was not considered a party to the proceedings and therefore lacked standing to appeal.
D. The referee withdrew the red card.
Question 3: Inference
Which inference is best supported by the passage?
A. FIFA has publicly explained every aspect of its decision.
B. Belgium believes the disciplinary process lacked transparency.
C. The United States admitted Balogun should have been suspended.
D. FIFA plans to change its appeal procedures immediately.
Answer: B
Explanation: Belgium complains that it has not received the written decision, the reasoning, or the referee's report, suggesting it believes the process was not transparent.
Question 4: Vocabulary in Context
As used in the passage, the word "inadmissible" most nearly means
A. impossible
B. unacceptable under the applicable rules
C. inaccurate
D. incomplete
Question 5: Function of a Statement
Why does the author include Rudi Garcia's comments?
A. To prove that Belgium will defeat the United States.
B. To illustrate Belgium's view that the controversy affects the integrity of the competition.
C. To demonstrate that Garcia supports FIFA's ruling.
D. To explain the rules governing red cards.
Answer: B
Explanation: Garcia argues that Belgium is defending "football in general—its integrity and its ethics," illustrating Belgium's perspective.
Question 6: Author's Technique
The passage presents quotations from both Mauricio Pochettino and Rudi Garcia primarily to
A. encourage readers to support one side.
B. provide balanced perspectives on the controversy.
C. show that the coaches disagree about tactics.
D. emphasize the importance of scoring first.
Question 7: Evidence
Which quotation best supports the idea that Belgium may continue to dispute the ruling?
A. "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right..."
B. "This leaves all further actions open."
C. "For me, there isn't much debate here..."
D. "He was rested in the dead-rubber final group game..."
Answer: B
Explanation: This statement explicitly indicates that Belgium is reserving the right to pursue additional action.
Question 8: Inference
Which statement would the author most likely agree with?
A. The legality of FIFA's decision has been fully resolved.
B. Both the United States and Belgium believe they have legitimate reasons to support their positions.
C. Trump alone was responsible for overturning the suspension.
D. Belgium has accepted FIFA's explanation.
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