The Belgian football federation has formally requested that FIFA explain its decision to allow United States striker Folarin Balogun to compete at the World Cup, despite the forward having received a red card in his previous competitive fixture.

The federation is challenging what it sees as a reversal by the governing body, questioning how Balogun was cleared to feature for the United States when standard suspension rules would typically have barred him from the tournament.

The case has drawn significant attention ahead of the competition, raising broader questions about consistency in FIFA's application of disciplinary regulations at the highest level of international football.