What happened: The FIFA Appeal Committee ruled that the Belgian Football Association had no legal standing to challenge the lifting of Folarin Balogun's one-match ban. The decision ends uncertainty surrounding the forward's availability just hours before kickoff in the World Cup. Mauricio Pochettino is now expected to include the striker in the United States squad for the scheduled match against Belgium.
Why it matters: The ruling resolves a major international controversy sparked by the initial reversal of the red card suspension. President Donald Trump revealed Monday that he spoke directly to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino regarding the matter. Infantino subsequently released a statement defending the independence and autonomy of the governing body's judicial committees in applying disciplinary regulations.
By the numbers: The United States is 2-1 this season, averaging 2.0 goals per match and allowing 1.0. Belgium enters the scheduled contest at 2-2 overall, riding a two-game winning streak and scoring 2.2 goals per game.
What to watch: Balogun will take the field against Belgium in the scheduled Round of 16 match. Officials from the Belgian federation could pursue further administrative protests regarding the handling of the disciplinary process.