A press report revealed details of the decision that allowed United States striker Folarin Balogun to participate against Belgium in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, despite the controversy that preceded the match regarding his suspension.

Journalist Martin Ziegler stated via his account on platform "X" that the decision to cancel Balogun's suspension was taken unilaterally by Emirati Mohammed Al Kamali, despite the presence of 18 members on the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, without consulting any of them.

The decision sparked widespread controversy during the tournament, after the red card penalty that would have prevented the player from playing the round of 16 match against Belgium was canceled.

In the end, the US team bid farewell to the 2026 World Cup in the round of 16, after losing to Belgium 4-1.