FIFA cleared US star striker Folarin Balogun to play in the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium despite a red-card ban, following a personal phone call from US President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Balogun had received a straight red card in the US match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, which under FIFA rules automatically triggers a one-game suspension that cannot be appealed by the player's team.

However, FIFA suspended the ban for a probationary period of one year without providing a specific explanation. Trump publicly thanked FIFA on his Truth Social platform for reversing what he called a "great injustice." US head coach Mauricio Pochettino supported the decision, stating it was "a fair decision because it should have never been a red card," describing the punishment as "too big" for an unintentional foul. US forward Christian Pulisic called the ruling a "boost," and US Soccer expressed that it was "pleased."

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) expressed astonishment at FIFA's decision and announced it is "investigating all potential options" to protect the principles of fair play. According to The Athletic, Belgium has been granted the right to appeal FIFA's suspension reversal. FIFA stated that the Belgian football body "is not a party to the proceedings and, as such, has no standing to appeal the decision." It remains unclear if Belgium can pursue further appeal to the Switzerland-based Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The incident has ignited widespread debate over the integrity of FIFA and the World Cup, with European football leaders criticizing the decision. This is the first time since the 1962 World Cup that a red card did not result in a suspension. The controversy highlights tensions between political influence and sports governance at the tournament.

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