FIFA contested by Belgian federation over Balogun eligibility as Infantino proposes World Cup expansion

The Belgian football federation (RBFA) has asked FIFA for an explanation and is preparing an appeal after the governing body lifted the automatic suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, who received a red card in the round‑of‑16 match. The decision, made following an intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump, allows Balogun to play against Belgium despite the usual one‑match ban. The Belgian FA says it never received the official ruling and claims the process violates FIFA’s own regulations. European Commission sports commissioner Glenn Micallef reminded that sport governance should remain independent of politics.

In a separate interview, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced a study to increase the number of teams at future World Cups from 36 to 64, citing the rise of African nations in recent tournaments. UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin expressed skepticism about expanding the tournament format.