Norway coach rips FIFA's decision on USMNT's Folarin Balogun

Norway coach Stale Solbakken. Caean Couto-Imagn Images

Norway coach rips FIFA's decision to allow USMNT's Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium

By Adam Gretz | Last updated Jul 5, 2026 8:43 PM ET

FIFA's decision to allow Folarin Balogun to play for the United States Men's National Team in its Round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday night, suspending his red-card ban, has not been well-received by the international soccer community.

Belgium called the decision "astonishing," while several European soccer leaders have reportedly made plans to take their side in a fight against FIFA for the decision.

The criticism did not stop there.

Shortly after his team's 2-1 win against Brazil at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday, Norway coach Stale Solbakken ripped into soccer's international governing body for the decision.

Norway coach rips FIFA decision to allow Folarin Balogun to play

Solbakken used his platform following his team's win to criticize the decision, calling it a "bad, bad, bad, bad, bad decision" that will ultimately hurt the World Cup.

He also said it will actually hurt the United States, because in the event that they do win, and if Balogun makes an impact, there is going to be a lasting discussion as to what it all meant and how it happened.

Norway coach Ståle Solbakken goes off on FIFA for its Folarin Balogun decision. Our story on it is here: https://t.co/8ftFF7X9OI pic.twitter.com/bwpy9HQTnn
— Stephen Whyno (@SWhyno) July 5, 2026

Balogun was removed from the U.S. 2-0 knockout win against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday with a red card in the 64th minute. It was a controversial decision, but it was upheld by VAR and seemed to remove him from Monday's game against Belgium.

But word surfaced on Sunday morning that FIFA was suspending his one-game ban, paving the way for him to play in one of the biggest U.S. men's national team games ever.

Balogun scored the U.S. opening goal in its Round of 32 win, while also adding two goals in its World Cup opening win against Paraguay in the group stage.

He is a key part of their attack offensively and can be a major difference-maker when in the lineup.

The decision to allow him to play could be a game-changing and potentially World Cup-changing event.

This was already going to be a massive game with an electric and intense environment. This decision only adds to it. As well as the intrigue. Especially if Balogun contributes in any meaningful way to the result.

Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz is a freelance writer based in Pittsburgh. He covers the NHL, NFL, MLB and NBA. Baseball is his favorite sport -- he is nearly halfway through his goal of seeing a game in every MLB ballpark. Catch him on X @AGretz

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