The Belgian national football team, the Red Devils, arrived in Los Angeles on July 7, 2026, to prepare for their upcoming World Cup quarter-final match against Spain. Following a victory over the United States in Seattle, the Royal Belgian Football Association (KBVB) confirmed it is continuing its legal challenge against FIFA regarding the eligibility and handling of player Folarin Balogun.
How are the Red Devils preparing for the quarter-final?
The squad has transitioned to Los Angeles ahead of their Friday match against Spain, scheduled for 21:00 local time. According to team reports, the starting lineup from the victory against the United States was granted a rest day. A training session in Seattle included players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Jérémy Doku, and Axel Witsel, though Fernandez-Pardo was noted as absent from the session.
The Belgian national team’s travel to Los Angeles was notably marked by player Diego Moreira, who took an active role in delivering the flight’s safety instructions to his teammates.
What is the status of the KBVB dispute with FIFA?
The Royal Belgian Football Association (KBVB) has issued a formal statement affirming that it is still pursuing a case against FIFA regarding the “Balogun affair.” The federation stated that it remains committed to seeking a revision of existing FIFA regulations and their application.
In the official statement, the KBVB emphasized that international football requires a disciplinary and administrative framework built on “legal certainty, transparency, equal treatment, and fair play.” The federation argued that consistent application of rules is essential to maintain the trust of players, coaches, and fans. The KBVB further stated that it will continue to press for these principles to be upheld to prevent “any form of arbitrariness,” regardless of the team’s current success on the pitch.
Why does the KBVB’s stance on regulation matter?
The federation noted that it feels supported in this stance by millions of fans and other national federations globally.
To follow the team’s progress during the 2026 World Cup, fans are encouraged to monitor official KBVB updates, as the federation continues to balance its tournament performance with its ongoing administrative appeals.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the Red Devils play Spain?
The quarter-final match between Belgium and Spain is scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026, at 21:00 local time.
What is the “Balogun affair”?
It is a disciplinary matter involving FIFA regulations that the Belgian Football Association (KBVB) is currently challenging to ensure transparent and consistent application of the rules.
Who attended the final training session in Seattle?
Players including Seys, Theate, Witsel, Moreira, Meunier, Debast, Saelemaekers, Doku, De Bruyne, and De Winter participated in the final training session before the flight to Los Angeles.
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