President Donald Trump confirmed on July 6, 2026, that he requested FIFA to review the one-match suspension of United States Men's National Team striker Folarin Balogun following a red card received during the World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Balogun was initially banned from the U.S. team's last-16 match against Belgium after being shown a straight red card for stepping on the right ankle of Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemović. However, FIFA later suspended the automatic one-match ban for 12 months, allowing Balogun to play in the upcoming match.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said he "saw the play" and believed Balogun's action did not constitute a foul or infraction. He stated, "I'm a person that loves sports and was a good athlete." The president also confirmed he spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, describing him as "highly respected," and said he had "nothing to do with the decision," only requesting a review.

Infantino acknowledged receiving a call from Trump, stating he regularly discusses FIFA World Cup matters with the U.S. president and informed him about the ongoing legal process involving FIFA's independent judicial bodies.

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) expressed astonishment at FIFA's decision and contested Balogun's eligibility to play, appealing the ruling. FIFA cited Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, which allows the FIFA Disciplinary Committee discretion to suspend disciplinary measures unless related to match manipulation, which was not the case here. Similar decisions have been made previously during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

The reversal has sparked widespread criticism from UEFA, Belgium, and England's coach Thomas Tuchel. Despite the controversy, FIFA's decision enables Balogun, who has scored three goals in the tournament, to participate in the match scheduled in Seattle.

Sources