Sports

FIFA lifts Balogun’s ban, clears US striker for Belgium World Cup clash

Published

3 months ago

July 6, 2026

FIFA lifts Balogun’s ban, clears US striker for Belgium World Cup clash

FIFA has suspended the one-match ban imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun, clearing the in-form forward to feature in Monday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium in a dramatic disciplinary decision that has sparked widespread debate.

The world football governing body announced on Sunday that the implementation of Balogun’s suspension had been deferred under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, allowing the striker to remain available for the crucial knockout fixture while placing him on a one-year probationary period. (Reuters)

In a statement, FIFA said:

“In line with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.”

The governing body added that if Balogun commits another offence of a similar nature and seriousness during the probationary period, the suspended sanction will automatically be enforced in addition to any new disciplinary measures. (Reuters)

Balogun had been shown a straight red card during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a VAR review concluded that he had stepped on the ankle of defender Tarik Muharemović. The dismissal carried an automatic one-match suspension, meaning the 25-year-old was initially expected to miss the high-stakes encounter against Belgium. (ABC News)

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The incident generated significant controversy, with many analysts, former players and supporters arguing that the contact appeared accidental rather than intentional.

United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino was among those who questioned the decision.

“For me? Never a red card. There was never any intention to step on the player. It was a normal football action that happened by accident,” the Argentine coach said after the match.

Before FIFA’s intervention, officials had indicated that the automatic suspension attached to a straight red card could not be appealed under the tournament regulations. However, the Disciplinary Committee exercised its rarely used powers under Article 27 to suspend the implementation of the sanction rather than overturn the red card itself. (Reuters)

The decision makes Balogun immediately available for the United States as the co-hosts attempt to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. The former Arsenal academy graduate has been one of the standout performers of the tournament, scoring three goals and leading the American attack. (ABC News)

Reacting to the ruling, U.S. Soccer welcomed FIFA’s decision, saying the team’s attention had now shifted fully to the knockout clash.

“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete. Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans.” (NBC Sports)

Speaking earlier about the red card, Balogun described the experience as “surreal” and explained why he chose not to react angrily despite believing the punishment was harsh.

“I never want to react out of anger and emotion. There are still lots of people we’re inspiring, little boys and girls who are watching, and we have to show them the right way to handle things, even when you think it’s unjust,” the striker said.

While the ruling has boosted the United States’ hopes, it has also drawn a strong reaction from the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), which said it was “astonished” by FIFA’s decision and is examining all available legal and regulatory options. The Belgian federation argued that automatic suspensions following red cards are clearly provided for under the FIFA Disciplinary Code and the 2026 World Cup Competition Regulations. (New York Post)

The controversy has reignited debate over FIFA’s use of Article 27, a provision that allows disciplinary sanctions to be suspended under exceptional circumstances. Similar discretion has been exercised only on rare occasions in international football, making Balogun’s case one of the most closely scrutinised disciplinary decisions of the tournament. (Reuters)

With Balogun now eligible, the United States receive a significant attacking boost ahead of their meeting with Belgium, as they seek to continue an impressive World Cup campaign and secure a place in the last eight.

FIFA lifts Balogun’s ban, clears US striker for Belgium World Cup clash

Sports

Portugal Beat Denmark 4-2 Without Ronaldo in Nations League Clash

Published

3 days ago

October 2, 2026

Trends Admin

Portugal Beat Denmark 4-2 Without Ronaldo in Nations League Clash

Portugal defeated Denmark 4-2 in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday, producing a strong performance despite the absence of captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

The result extended Portugal’s perfect start under head coach Jorge Jesus, who has now overseen three victories from three matches since taking charge of the national team.

Playing in Copenhagen, Portugal took the lead in the 13th minute when João Cancelo finished from close range after Denmark struggled to clear the ball.

The hosts responded when Mikkel Damsgaard produced a composed finish to level the score.

Portugal regained the advantage shortly afterwards through Gonçalo Ramos, who found the net at the near post to make it 2-1.

Denmark refused to surrender and drew level again early in the second half through Rasmus Højlund.

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Portugal then regained control of the contest, with Vitinha heading home in the 57th minute to restore the visitors’ lead.

João Félix completed the scoring three minutes from full time, finishing a counter-attack to secure the 4-2 victory.

The match was played against the backdrop of Ronaldo’s absence after the veteran forward left Portugal’s training camp before the game.

Ronaldo’s departure followed a decision by Jesus not to start him against Denmark. The 41-year-old subsequently said in a social media post that he would explain the circumstances surrounding his exit at a later time.

With Ronaldo unavailable, Jesus handed Ramos the responsibility of leading the attack, and the Paris Saint-Germain forward responded with Portugal’s second goal.

The victory moved Portugal to nine points from three matches in the competition and maintained their winning run under Jesus.

Denmark, meanwhile, were left to reflect on another match in which they twice came from behind but were unable to prevent Portugal from taking all three points.

Portugal will continue their Nations League campaign against Norway, while attention is expected to remain on Ronaldo and his future involvement with the national team.

Portugal Beat Denmark 4-2 Without Ronaldo in Nations League Clash

Sports

Why Ronaldo Left Portugal Camp Ahead of Denmark Clash

Published

4 days ago

October 1, 2026

Trends Admin

Cristiano Ronaldo

Why Ronaldo Left Portugal Camp Ahead of Denmark Clash

Cristiano Ronaldo has left the Portugal national team camp ahead of the country’s UEFA Nations League meeting with Denmark, following reports of tension over his role in the team.

Ronaldo’s departure came after Portugal coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the 41-year-old forward would not start against Denmark.

The situation reportedly followed Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway, when Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout the match despite warming up during the game.

According to reports, Ronaldo was unhappy after he was not introduced and went straight to the dressing room at the final whistle rather than joining his teammates in acknowledging the Portuguese supporters.

Jesus later addressed the issue and acknowledged that Ronaldo was unhappy with the decision, but denied that there had been a major confrontation between the two.

The Portugal coach also dismissed reports that Ronaldo had refused to train, explaining that the forward had instead completed individual mobility and strengthening exercises.

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The situation intensified after Jesus confirmed that Ronaldo would again not be in the starting lineup for the Denmark vs Portugal fixture, with Gonçalo Ramos expected to lead the attack.

Jesus said Ronaldo could still be introduced as a substitute depending on how the match developed.

Ronaldo subsequently held a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença before leaving the national team camp in Copenhagen.

The Portugal captain later posted a statement on social media confirming his departure and indicating that he would explain the circumstances behind the decision at a later time.

He did not directly accuse Jesus or the Portuguese federation of wrongdoing in the statement.

The episode has nevertheless generated renewed questions about Ronaldo’s role in the Portugal national team, particularly as he approaches the later stages of his international career.

Ronaldo remains Portugal’s record goalscorer and one of the country’s most decorated players. He has also previously indicated that his playing career is approaching its final stage.

For now, the confirmed sequence is that Ronaldo was left unused against Norway, Jesus subsequently announced that he would not start against Denmark, Ronaldo met with the federation president and then left the training camp.

Portugal’s immediate focus remains its Nations League campaign, while further details about Ronaldo’s decision are expected to emerge if the player follows through on his promise to explain the circumstances.

Why Ronaldo Left Portugal Camp Ahead of Denmark Clash

Sports

Super Eagles Suffer Bissau Nightmare as Guinea-Bissau Smash Nigeria 3-0

Published

5 days ago

September 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Super Eagles after their defeat to Guinea Bissau

Super Eagles Suffer Bissau Nightmare as Guinea-Bissau Smash Nigeria 3-0

Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a stunning 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday night, as their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign suffered a major setback in Bissau.

The hosts produced a dominant display at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro, scoring once in the first half and twice after the break to move to the top of Group L with six points from two matches.

Franculino Djú put Guinea-Bissau ahead in the 15th minute after receiving a long pass from Renato Nhaga. He worked his way into the Nigerian penalty area before curling a left-footed effort beyond goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

The Super Eagles struggled to find their rhythm after conceding and failed to create enough clear chances to trouble the hosts before the interval.

Coach Eric Chelle responded at the start of the second half by introducing Moses Simon and Moses Usor for Taiwo Awoniyi and Frank Onyeka.

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The changes did little to alter the pattern of the match, with Guinea-Bissau continuing to pose the greater attacking threat.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 66th minute through Mama Baldé, who collected a pass from Mamadi Camará before cutting into the Nigerian box and firing a low shot past Nwabali.

Chelle subsequently brought on George Ilenikhena and Raphael Onyedika for Akor Adams and Wilfred Ndidi, while Tolu Arokodare replaced Ademola Lookman.

Ilenikhena came close to reducing the deficit late in the game, but Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Embadjé made another important save to preserve his side’s two-goal advantage.

Nigeria’s miserable night was completed in the fifth minute of stoppage time when Álvaro Djaló finished a through ball from Tamble Monteiro to make it 3-0.

The result leaves Nigeria with three points from two matches, following their opening 2-1 victory over Madagascar.

Guinea-Bissau, meanwhile, have six points after beating Tanzania 2-0 in their opening fixture before defeating Nigeria.

Madagascar and Tanzania drew 1-1 in the other Group L match.

With Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament co-hosts, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar are competing for the qualifying position available to the highest-ranked non-host nation in the group.

The Super Eagles will have an opportunity to respond when they face Tanzania in a double-header during the November international window.

For Chelle and his players, however, the 3-0 defeat in Bissau leaves little room for another disappointing performance as the AFCON 2027 qualifying race continues.