Thibaut Courtois says Balogun row changes nothing for Belgium
Thibaut Courtois says the Folarin Balogun row changes nothing for Belgium before their 2026 World Cup last-16 clash with the United States in Seattle. The Real Madrid goalkeeper insists the Red Devils must focus on winning on the pitch, regardless of FIFA's last-minute decision to suspend the striker's automatic red-card ban.
The controversy erupted after FIFA invoked Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code to lift Balogun's one-match suspension, leaving the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) astonished. Courtois, however, brushed aside the political storm and kept the conversation on football.
Key Takeaways
- Thibaut Courtois told reporters the Balogun decision changes nothing for Belgium's preparation.
- FIFA suspended Balogun's automatic ban under Article 27, putting him on a one-year probationary period.
- The RBFA said it was stunned and is investigating all potential options to challenge the ruling.
- Courtois called the timing a surprise but said Belgium prepares for every possible U.S. striker.
- His wife, model Mishel Gerzig, went viral with beach photos in Los Angeles before the knockout tie.
Why is Folarin Balogun allowed to play against Belgium?
Balogun was sent off during the United States' 2-0 round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a VAR review flagged a studs-up challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic. Under normal World Cup rules, Article 10.5 mandates an automatic one-match ban after a direct red card.
On the eve of the Belgium tie, however, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee announced it was suspending that sanction for a one-year probationary period. L'Équipe reported the stunning reversal, and the RBFA released a statement saying the move was in direct contradiction to tournament regulations.
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia did not hide his frustration, quipping that he did not know July 5 was April Fools' Day. For more offbeat sports drama, see our Bizarre News & Florida Man coverage.
What did Thibaut Courtois say about the timing?
Speaking through a translator at Belgium's pre-match press conference, Courtois conceded the announcement landed at an awkward moment. "Of course, it was the day prior to the game so that was a bit of a surprise," he said, according to reports cited by The Athletic.
He added that an earlier ruling might have helped Belgium prepare mentally, but stressed the squad still had training time remaining. "For us as players, nothing changes," Courtois said. "We focus on the game, to win on the pitch, whoever plays."
When pressed on the federation's legal response, he deferred to officials: "As for the rest, it's up to the football federation to reply as they did." Garcia eventually told reporters not to waste time on the subject and to focus on sporting matters instead.
How is Belgium preparing for the United States attack?
Courtois made clear Belgium scouts every option, not just Balogun. He described the Monaco forward as a very fast striker with a different profile from Ricardo Pepi, but noted the Americans have quality across the front line.
He pointed to Christian Pulisic's versatility, Sergino Dest on the right wing, and a U.S. attack that arrives well in the box and creates plenty of one-on-one chances for goalkeepers. "They have 11 players too. There's not only Balogun," Courtois said. "We just have to play on the pitch and try and win this game."
Belgium face a co-host nation eager to advance on home soil, and Courtois acknowledged the odds feel stacked against the Red Devils. Still, he said the squad would be ready for whichever starting eleven the U.S. fields.
Who is Thibaut Courtois' wife Mishel Gerzig?
While Courtois stayed locked on the pitch, his personal life drew its own headlines. Mishel Gerzig, an Israeli model and former Navy commander, is Courtois' wife. The couple connected on Instagram in 2021, married in Cannes, France, on June 26, 2023, and welcomed daughter Ellie in March 2024, according to Hindustan Times.
Days before the knockout tie, Gerzig shared beach photos from Los Angeles captioned "Fun days in LA," wearing a blue bikini that sparked jokes about U.S. colours on social media. Courtois appeared in some shots and left a supportive comment, turning a family outing into a viral sideshow around one of football's strangest pre-match weeks.