Polymarket Surges on Balogun Red Card Suspension, Shows 98% Chance He Plays in US vs Belgium

According to Bitcoin.com News, Polymarket prediction markets surged following FIFA's rare suspension of a red card issued to US player Folarin Balogun on July 2, enabling him to potentially play in the Round of 16 match against Belgium during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The market contract shows a 98% probability that Balogun will appear as a player, with the market attracting nearly $300K in trading volume. FIFA invoked Article 27 of its code, which allows the ban to be suspended for one year rather than enforced immediately.

Controversy escalated after President Donald Trump acknowledged calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card. Infantino stressed that "FIFA's judicial bodies are independent" and decide cases based on applicable regulations. The Royal Belgian Football Association contested Balogun's eligibility and stated it is leaving "all further actions open."