Folarin Balogun Eligible to Play After Red Card Controversy, Belgium Manager Appreciates Gesture

Folarin Balogun was allowed to play in the U.S. Men's National Team's Round of 16 game against Belgium after FIFA ruled he was eligible, despite having received a red card in a previous match. This decision followed significant debate over whether the red card was warranted. After the match, which ended in a 4-1 defeat for the U.S., Belgium manager Rudi Garcia expressed appreciation for Balogun's gesture of approaching him to discuss the situation. Garcia stated, "He came to talk to me. I really liked that. It is not his fault; he is not the one to blame, and that’s what I told him." FIFA's disciplinary code allows for the suspension of disciplinary measures under certain conditions. U.S. President Donald Trump also commented on the red card, stating he called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review, arguing that the incident did not constitute a foul. Belgium will advance to face Spain in the next round.