Before facing America in the World Cup... Belgium appeals FIFA's decision to suspend Pogba's ban

Hours before the anticipated Round of 16 clash between the United States and Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, tensions flared off the pitch after FIFA’s decision to suspend the one-match ban on American striker Folarin Balogun triggered a legal crisis that prompted the Royal Belgian Football Association to formally appeal the ruling.

The appeal aims to prevent the U.S. national team striker from participating in Monday’s match against Belgium, scheduled for 3:00 a.m. (Mecca time) on Tuesday, as part of the 2026 World Cup Round of 16.

According to The Athletic, FIFA granted the Belgian Football Association the right to appeal the decision to suspend Balogun’s one-match suspension, which had been imposed after his red card in the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The report, citing informed sources, stated that both the Belgian and American football associations are required to submit official statements, with the final decision to be issued by a member of FIFA’s Appeal Committee who is not affiliated with either Belgium or the United States.

The Royal Belgian Football Association expressed its “astonishment” at FIFA’s decision, deeming it “in direct conflict” with World Cup regulations and confirming that it is reviewing all available options in the case.

The Athletic noted that the Belgian Football Association has requested FIFA provide a full explanation of the grounds underlying its decision to suspend Balogun’s one-match ban.