FIFA overturned Balogun's red card after Trump urged review, clearing him for Saturday's match. Belgium's protest dismissed. Portugal eliminated by Spain on late goal.
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The U.S. men's national team enters its Round-of-16 match against Belgium with leading scorer Folarin Balogun available. FIFA overturned his one-match suspension for a red card received in the previous round.
Balogun was sent off for foul play during the U.S.'s 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA reversed the decision, clearing him to play. Belgium challenged the reversal. FIFA dismissed the protest as inadmissible. UEFA called the ruling "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable."
The controversy drew added attention after President Donald Trump said he urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card. Trump defended his intervention, saying the call was unjust. The episode raised questions about whether political pressure influenced FIFA's decision. FIFA did not comment on Trump's role.
Balogun's availability changes the U.S. attack. He leads the team in scoring and provides a focal point up front. Belgium, a strong opponent, now faces a full-strength U.S. side. The match is scheduled for Saturday.
Trump's direct appeal to Infantino is unusual for a sitting president. It could set a precedent for future interventions in FIFA disciplinary matters. UEFA's strong criticism suggests a rift between the European body and FIFA over the handling of the case.
Separately, Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup run ended when Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain. Mikel Merino scored late to send Spain into the quarterfinals. Ronaldo, 39, had said this tournament would be his last. He leaves without a World Cup title, a gap in an otherwise decorated career.
The U.S.-Belgium match will test whether the controversy affects either side. Belgium's frustration with the FIFA decision could carry onto the field. The U.S. will rely on Balogun to lead the line. Saturday's result will determine who advances to the quarterfinals.
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