President Trump confirmed on Monday that his phone call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino prompted a review of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s red card, which led to the suspension being delayed and Balogun becoming eligible to play in the World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium.

Balogun received a red card during the U.S. team's 2-0 victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the round of 32, triggering a one-game ban. However, FIFA’s disciplinary committee announced on Sunday that the ban would be delayed for a "probationary period."

Trump stated, “When they take your best player, or just about, they have some great players, and they say you can’t play, that’s very unfair.” Ambassador to Belgium Bill White added that Trump’s request led to the review of the referee’s call.

Gianni Infantino acknowledged speaking with Trump but emphasized that an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies was handling the matter.

The decision has sparked criticism from European officials. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot, a former soccer referee, called the overturned suspension unfair and said, “This decision clearly raises many questions.” He added, “If a phone call really is what explains this incomprehensible decision, it would amount to undermining the most basic rules of soccer and sports.”

Prévot’s concerns align with objections from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and the Royal Belgian Football Association, which stated the decision violates Article 10.5 of FIFA’s competition regulations. FIFA noted that this rule is reiterated at every FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Coordination Meeting and included in all related workshop presentations.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter also weighed in, stating on social platform X that "Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls. They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies." Blatter questioned FIFA’s direction, saying, "Football must never become a playground for political power."

Balogun, who leads the U.S. team with three goals at the World Cup, is now available for the match against Belgium scheduled for 8 p.m. on Monday.

Sources