Belgium’s Football Association has called for FIFA to explain why Folarin Balogun was allowed to play against them at the 2026 World Cup and wants the issue discussed at the next FIFA Council meeting.

Balogun was controversially cleared to feature for the United States in their last-16 meeting with Belgium after his one-match suspension for a straight red card was suspended for a year by FIFA.

The decision attracted widespread criticism, particularly after it emerged that US President Donald Trump and White House officials had lobbied FIFA over the situation.

UEFA and the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) were among those to question the decision, with Belgium now demanding greater clarity over how the case was handled.

Balogun had scored three goals at the tournament before his red card and was named in the starting XI against Belgium after FIFA suspended his ban.

The United States ultimately lost the match 4-1, with Belgium progressing to the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Spain.

The RBFA had previously asked FIFA for “a clear justification of the decisions taken and details on how such situations will be handled in the future”.

Two months on from the incident, the Belgian association says it is still waiting for a satisfactory response.

RBFA president Pascale van Damme said: “Two months after the events, our questions remain unanswered.

“Given the importance of transparency and clarity for all parties involved, we request the necessary explanations and, at the same time, wish to explore where improvements to the current processes are possible, so that similar cases can be handled in a clear, consistent and efficient manner in the future.

“Together with Uefa, the other confederations and the national associations, we remain committed to transparency in decision-making, strong governance and clear processes. We remain open to constructive cooperation, in the interest of the trust, integrity and future of football.”