Trump's Intervention Lifts Balogun's Suspension for World Cup Match
Former President Donald Trump's request to FIFA President Gianni Infantino has resulted in the lifting of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension. This decision allows Balogun to play in the crucial World Cup knockout match against Belgium, sparking debate within the soccer community about the influence of political figures in sports governance.
Reports behind this story
Articles and publisher reports that informed this story.
One Phone Call, One Vanishing Red Card — The Balogun Scandal
Al Jazeera's Basel Ghazoghli (@baselgazi) breaks down how the White House helped Folarin Balogun stay in the World Cup.
Trump confirms he asked Fifa to review Balogun ban
President Donald Trump confirms he asked Fifa to review United States striker Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension at the World Cup.
FIFA's reversal of red card after Trump phone call prompts international uproar
Trump frequently pushes the boundaries of long-standing norms. He also has a history of using phone calls to pressure officials to reach an outcome he wants.
US team’s Folarin Balogun free to play after Trump lobbies FIFA to remove ban
PRESS REVIEW – Monday, 6 July 2026: First, the French papers ready themselves for an upcoming verdict in far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen's embezzlement case. Next, the New York Times features a long read on the battle for the internet’s soul. Also, Folarin Balogun will play in Team USA’s next game after US President Donald Trump lobbied FIFA to remove the match suspension he received after being shown a red card in the previous game. Finally, the Belgians have become shrimp shelling world champions.
Folarin Balogun's ban is lifted by FIFA, allowing U.S. striker to play Belgium
In an unusual move, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee announced that it would delay Folarin Balogun's one-game red card ban. It came after President Trump spoke to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.