EditTrump intervention sparks World Cup storm as FIFA clears Balogun to face Belgium
The move has drawn sharp criticism from Belgium, whose football association called it “astonishing” and in direct conflict with FIFA’s disciplinary code
FIFA has made the unprecedented decision to suspend U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match red card ban, clearing him to play in Monday’s last-16 clash against Belgium after U.S. President Donald Trump personally urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the case.
Balogun was sent off in the second half of the U.S. win over Bosnia and Herzegovina following a VAR review for planting his boot into an opponent’s ankle. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino called it an unfair punishment, noting precedents where sanctions have been deferred.
FIFA suspended the enforcement of the ban for a one-year probationary period, stating that any similar infringement during that time would revoke the suspension and impose the original sanction.
Trump celebrated the decision on Truth Social, writing: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”
The move has drawn sharp criticism from Belgium, whose football association called it “astonishing” and in direct conflict with FIFA’s disciplinary code and tournament regulations, which mandate an automatic suspension for a red card. Belgium said it is evaluating all potential options.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia’s reacted:
“I didn’t know that at the FIFA World Cup, the 5th of July is now the first of April — it’s April Fool’s Day.”
Garcia framed Belgium’s opposition as defending “football, its ethics and its integrity,” while noting the late timing left minimal preparation time. The Belgian federation called the move “astonishing” and said it is investigating options.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: The Royal Belgian Football Association has released a statement in regard to Folarin Balogun being able to play against them.
"The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) is astonished by FIFA's decision to declare suspended United States player Folarin… pic.twitter.com/mijdWcVIz7
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) July 5, 2026
Infantino has cultivated a close, longstanding relationship with Donald Trump, including awarding him the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, frequent personal interactions, and public praise, often going out of his way to accommodate and please the U.S. president on matters related to soccer and the World Cup.
The controversy has overshadowed tactical discussions ahead of the high-stakes knockout match in Seattle, becoming one of the defining stories of the tournament. U.S. players learned of the decision via social media en route to training, with forward Christian Pulisic describing it as “great news.” Pochettino welcomed the ruling, citing historical examples of suspended punishments. FIFA has not commented on the Trump call or the decision process. The judicial body has discretion to suspend sanctions under its code.
Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls. They are overturned by rules, evidence and independent bodies. If a U.S. President intervenes with the FIFA President — and a player is suddenly cleared before a World Cup knockout match — the question is unavoidable: Quo…
— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) July 6, 2026
With Reuters
Caption: Gianni Infantino (second from left) presents Trump a “Peace Prize” [The White House]
Updated: July 6, 2026 - 11:49
