THE TWIST NO ONE SAW COMING… Just hours before the USMNT’s biggest World Cup test yet, a dramatic off-field battle reached its final verdict. Belgium made one last attempt to stop Folarin Balogun from taking the field after FIFA suspended his automatic red-card ban—but that challenge has now been rejected, clearing the U.S. striker to play in the Round of 16. The ruling has already sparked strong reactions and raised questions far beyond a single match, with Belgium insisting the decision could have lasting consequences for the tournament. The full story behind the appeal—and why it failed—is even more remarkable.
FIFA’s appeal committee denied Belgium’s appeal of its decision on Folarin Balogun’s red card, meaning the U.S. men’s national team star can indeed play against Belgium. “The request was rendered…