The decision to allow American soccer player Folarin Balogun to participate in the upcoming match against Belgium has sparked a wave of controversy and dismay, particularly among Belgian supporters in the United States.

At a watch party hosted by the Belgian embassy at Wunder Garten, a popular bar in Washington, D.C.'s NoMa neighborhood, POLITICO spoke with several Belgian nationals who expressed their frustration over the ruling. Johan Hamels, visiting from Leuven for a business trip, was particularly vocal. “Rules are rules. FIFA briefs every team before the games that a red card means you're out for the next match. It’s very clear,” he said.

Balogun was previously issued a red card during the Round of 32 game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which typically results in a suspension for at least the next game. However, in a turn of events that has caught many off guard, FIFA lifted his suspension just a day before the Belgium match.

This sudden reversal has led to allegations from various corners, including claims that the White House exerted undue influence on FIFA’s decision. Critics and European politicians have not shied away from expressing their discontent, and the Royal Belgian Football Association even filed a formal challenge against FIFA’s decision on Monday morning.

Despite FIFA's insistence that their decision was apolitical, President Donald Trump has publicly claimed credit for Balogun's reinstatement on the team. This assertion has only added fuel to the fire, with accusations that political interference has marred the sport's integrity.

Win Van Dijck, a Brussels native who has resided in the U.S. for five years, shared his disillusionment. “I’m used to surrealism, being Belgian, but this situation crosses a line. It’s just too much,” he remarked.

Many see this incident as another example of politics infiltrating the sports arena, a sentiment echoed by Brigitte, a Belgian retiree living in the U.S. since 1984. “Having it reversed based on a call from what some might call the American God shows a lack of integrity. It sets a poor example for the youngsters watching the game,” she noted.

As the match approaches, the atmosphere among Belgian fans is tinged with resentment and disbelief, overshadowing what should have been a unifying sporting event. The controversy continues to unfold, leaving many to question the fairness and transparency of international soccer governance.