Sports · Full coverage

Belgium Protests FIFA's Reversal Allowing US Player to Compete in World Cup Round of 16

How 4 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.

75% center

Center 3Right 1

First reported by Ynet · 4 hours ago

What happened

FIFA overturned the red card suspension of US player Florian Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium in the 2026 World Cup round of 16. Belgium expressed shock and is reviewing options to uphold fair play, citing FIFA's disciplinary rules. The US White House reportedly influenced the decision, and Donald Trump praised FIFA for reversing the suspension.

01FIFA reversed Florian Balogun’s red card suspension, allowing him to play in the World Cup round of 16.
02Belgian Football Association expressed shock and is exploring options to protect fair play.
03FIFA cited Article 27 to delay sanctions but Article 66.4 mandates automatic suspension after red cards.
04The US White House reportedly contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request the review.
05Donald Trump publicly thanked FIFA for correcting what he called a major injustice.
06The US-Belgium match will proceed with Balogun eligible to play despite controversy.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

In this story

People