FIFA has dismissed Belgium's challenge regarding the eligibility of US striker Folarin Balogun, upholding the controversial decision to suspend his one-match ban ahead of the World Cup Round of 16 clash, despite the US ultimately losing 4-1 to Belgium and being eliminated.
U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, despite a controversial FIFA decision to suspend his red card ban, struggled in the World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium, leading to the U.S. team's elimination. The decision, which saw U.S. President Donald Trump claim credit, sparked accusations of political pressure on FIFA, while Balogun's birthright citizenship also came under scrutiny.
Balogun scored his third goal of the tournament but was later sent off, becoming only the fourth player to score and receive a red card in a FIFA World Cup knockout match.
The United States' World Cup campaign took an extraordinary turn on Sunday when FIFA made the unprecedented decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's automatic red-card ban, clearing the striker to face Belgium in Monday's last-16 clash after US President Donald Trump personally urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the case.
Balogun scored and celebrated in style before a VAR review turned his night around for the worse, as he was sent off for a foul. Even with 10 men, the United States stayed disciplined and beat Bosnia 2-0. Malik Tillman sealed the win with a free-kick goal. The result sends the U.S. into the last 16 against Belgium. Balogun is suspended for that match.
Former US President Donald Trump personally intervened with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to overturn a red-card ban for US striker Folarin Balogun, a decision UEFA called 'unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable' and which has sparked widespread criticism over the integrity of the game.
The United States men's national team secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup Group D opener, with Folarin Balogun scoring two goals and Giovanni Reyna adding another.
FIFA has rejected a request from the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) for a copy of the decision that made U.S. striker Folarin Balogun eligible for a World Cup match, treating Belgium's inquiry as an inadmissible appeal. This decision follows U.S. President Donald Trump's personal intervention with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Balogun's red-card ban.
The United States defeated Bosnia 2-0 to advance to the World Cup round of 16. Malik Tillman scored the decisive goal from a free kick after Folarin Balogun was sent off, having previously opened the scoring. This marks their first knockout win since 2002.
FIFA has strongly defended Brazilian referee Raphael Claus after US President Donald Trump questioned his integrity following a controversial red card shown to US striker Folarin Balogun at the World Cup.
Belgium secured a dominant 4-1 victory over the United States in the World Cup last-16, with midfielder Nicolas Raskin suggesting the win felt like 'justice' following FIFA's controversial decision to allow US striker Folarin Balogun to play despite a previous red card.
US coach Mauricio Pochettino praised his team's collective effort after their historic 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their World Cup opener. Folarin Balogun scored two goals, a first for a U.S. player since 1930, though Christian Pulisic's calf injury raised concerns. Pochettino credited extended training time for the team's strong start.
Thierry Henry, including the UEFA, Belgium and several football figures questioned FIFA's late decision to suspend USA's Folarin Balogun's World Cup ban.
After the US's win in the round of 32 fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which involved striker Flo Balogun being shown a red card and sent off after a tackle with an opponent, former US footballer Alexi Lalas questioned why Argentina superstar Lionel Messi escaped any notice
The United States' World Cup dreams came to a crashing halt in the last 16 against Belgium on Monday as Charles De Ketelaere scored twice in a 4-1 win, overshadowed by FIFA's controversial decision to suspend US forward Folarin Balogun's ban.
Mauricio Pochettino's gameplan worked a treat in the United States' 4-1 win over Paraguay in their World Cup opener on Friday, the hosts showcasing an attacking fluidity and positional interplay that overwhelmed the South Americans.
The United States football team secured its place in the World Cup knockout stage with a convincing 2-0 victory over Australia. An early own goal and an Alex Freeman header sealed the win, despite the absence of key player Christian Pulisic. The team's depth was highlighted as they dominated the match, moving to six points in Group D.
Harry Kane scores twice as Bayern Munich beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-2 to go nine points clear in the Bundesliga; Monaco stun Lens in Ligue 1.
Paris St Germain overcame a two-goal deficit and a horror start to beat 10-man Monaco 3-2 in the first leg of their Champions League knockout round playoff tie.
The official 26-man squads for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Panama beat Bolivia 3-1 on Monday to finish second in Group C and qualify for the Copa America quarter-finals after tournament hosts United States were eliminated following a 1-0 loss to group winners Uruguay.
A third-minute goal from Christian Pulisic set the United States on their way to a 2-0 victory over Bolivia in their Group C opener at the Copa America on Sunday.
IMAGES from the UEFA Champions League matches played on Wednesday
Spain were Nations League runners-up two years ago to France and success will come as a major fillip after a disappointing World Cup in Qatar, where they were upset by Morocco in the last-16.
The 24 sides through from the group phase join the eight third-placed finishers in the Champions League in Monday's draw, including Manchester United and Ajax Amsterdam.
Panama pulled off a shock 2-1 victory over the United States in a heated Group C encounter at the Copa America on Thursday.
Arsenal might be struggling in the Premier League but they are 100 per cent in Group B of the Europa League
Paris St Germain had a chance to extend their Ligue 1 lead to five points after RC Lens drew 1-1 at Troyes and Olympique de Marseille and Monaco shared the spoils on Saturday.
IMAGES from the soccer matches played across European leagues over the weekend.
LaLiga leaders Barcelona's pursuit of a 27th Spanish title gained momentum after a 2-1 comeback win over Real Madrid.
