Top News

6 July 2026

Norway’s head coach Stale Solbakken has strongly criticised Fifa for what he described as a serious error in overturning the suspension handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun.

Balogun had been sent off during the USA’s 2-0 World Cup victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic. However, reports suggest the administration of United States President Donald Trump contacted Fifa, leading to the player’s punishment being downgraded to a one-year suspended ban. This ruling made Balogun eligible to play against Belgium on Monday.

The Belgian Football Association lodged a complaint over the decision, while Solbakken, whose Norwegian side defeated Brazil to advance to the quarter-finals, labelled the move a “bad, bad, bad, bad, bad decision”.

The Norway coach warned that any potential USA victory over Belgium would be overshadowed by the controversy and expressed concern about the precedent the reversal might set for future disciplinary actions.

“I think that is a big mistake by Fifa,” Solbakken said. “It is not a good conclusion when a player receives a red card, the VAR confirms it, and he is sent off — that means a one-match suspension. What is really bad is that now it only applies to the United States. Maybe he scores a goal or has a great performance, and Belgium will be furious. What happens with the next red card? Will it also be overturned? Bad, bad, bad, bad, bad decision. For the United States, that will always hang over them if they win. It’s not good for the sport.”

In other football action, Houston Dynamo 2 defeated MNUFC 2, while Tacoma Defiance lost 0-2 to Portland Timbers 2. Vancouver Whitecaps FC II faced Ventura County FC, and San Jose Earthquakes II went up against Sporting Kansas City II. Real Monarchs took on Vancouver Whitecaps FC II, Atlanta United 2 played Inter Miami CF II, Houston Dynamo 2 met St Louis CITY2, and Colorado Rapids 2 took on North Texas. Los Angeles Football Club 2 also faced Portland Timbers 2.