Solbakken went on to argue that the decision will eventually “hurt the World Cup and the United States.”
By Kehinde Okeowo
Norway head coach Ståle Solbakken has faulted FIFA’s decision to overturn the red card shown to USA striker Folarin Balogun in their last World Cup game.
He called out world football’s governing body after his side defeated Brazil 2-1 in the tournament’s round of 16 on Sunday.
Balogun was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina in their last-32 fixture and was expected to serve a one-match ban.
However, on Sunday, FIFA announced that the Monaco striker would be eligible to play against Belgium in their last-16 clash.
The reversal is highly unusual, marking the first time since 1962 that FIFA has allowed a player to appear in a match when they should have been suspended.
ALSO READ: World Cup 2026: Trump reportedly called FIFA President to review Balogun’s red card suspension
Taking to his Truth Social handle, US President Donald Trump wrote: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”
Reacting to the decision, Solbakken wondered how Belgium would react if they were to lose to the United States in their round-of-16 fixture.
“It is a big mistake by FIFA. It is not a great conclusion. He got a red card and the VAR concluded that it was a red card. That means you are suspended for one game,” Solbakken said.
He added: “I think what is really bad about that situation is, if the USA beat Belgium, they will always have that extra thing hanging over it.
“The Belgians will be furious. What about the next red card? What happens there? Will some committee take it away? It’s a bad, bad, bad, bad decision that will hurt the World Cup and the United States.”
