The report says Balogun was dismissed after a video review in the 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, following contact with Tarik Muharemović. reportedly invoked Article 27 and placed the suspension on a one-year probationary period. A similar offence could reactivate the ban alongside any new sanction.
Mauricio Pochettino backed the decision, arguing the Americans had already been “punida o bastante” - punished enough - after playing part of the match with 10 men. Christian Pulisic reportedly said “não houve intenção”, or no intent, while pointing to more serious challenges in the tournament.
Belgium’s federation reportedly said it was “espantada”, or astonished. Coach Rudi Garcia compared the announcement to “uma brincadeira de 1º de abril” - an April Fool’s joke - and said Belgian officials were examining their options.
That response captures the central complaint: even a rulebook mechanism can look arbitrary when it arrives days before a knockout match. Consistency matters most when the decision affects a leading player and changes the competitive balance.
The report also alleges that Donald Trump contacted president Gianni Infantino after the match. Whether or not that conversation influenced the outcome, the optics are difficult. ’s explanation needs to be transparent enough for rival teams to trust the process, not merely accept the result.
If the clearance stands, the United States-Belgium tie will be about more than Balogun’s pace and finishing. His performance, and ’s handling of any fresh challenge, will determine whether the controversy fades or becomes one of the tournament’s defining storylines.