FIFA allows USA striker Folarin Balogun, previously banned, to be available for the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium, prompting public reactions from multiple sides. According to the reports, the governing body steps in to make the forward eligible for the upcoming tie despite the prior sanction. The change draws praise from US President Donald Trump, who commends the decision. Former England and pundit Gary Neville criticises the move, describing it as improper. Belgium is also reported to have weighed in on the situation, though the outlets frame the overall response as mixed and centred on fairness and disciplinary consistency. The reports indicate that the decision is specifically linked to the Belgium match, rather than a broad reversal for future games. Overall, the story focuses on FIFA’s intervention, the eligibility of a banned player for a high-profile knockout fixture, and the differing reactions from political figures and football commentators in the lead-up to the match.