Trump calls FIFA chief after USA star’s red card as Balogun suspension is overturned

The controversial red-card suspension handed to United States forward Folarin Balogun at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taken a political turn, with a report claiming US President Donald Trump personally urged FIFA to review the decision before the ban was overturned.

According to the Associated Press, Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino shortly after the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32, asking the governing body to revisit Balogun’s dismissal. The report cited a person familiar with the conversation who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Days later, FIFA rescinded Balogun’s automatic one-match suspension, making him eligible for the USA’s Round of 16 clash against Belgium.

Balogun, who has scored three goals at the tournament, was sent off after catching Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic on the ankle in what many viewed as an accidental, mistimed challenge. The decision sparked widespread debate, with analysts and fans arguing that the punishment was too harsh.

The incident was also compared to a similar challenge by Lionel Messi in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria, for which the Argentine captain escaped without a red card.

The reversal marked a highly unusual move by FIFA. Reports said it was the first time since 1962 that a World Cup red card had been overturned to cancel the resulting suspension.

Reacting to the decision, Trump posted on social media: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”

Belgium protests FIFA decision

Belgium reacted angrily to the decision, with head coach Rudi Garcia questioning FIFA’s handling of the case.

“I didn’t know that in the offices of FIFA the fifth of July was the first of April in Europe,” Garcia said, comparing the reversal to an April Fools’ joke.

“The Belgian federation is not only defending itself or the national team. It is defending football, its integrity and its ethics. I think it’s the first time in World Cup history that a red card has been overturned like this.”

Garcia declined to speculate on whether Trump’s reported intervention influenced FIFA’s decision and would not comment on a possible appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was examining all legal options to protect what it described as the principles of fair play.

Relief in US camp

The decision was welcomed by the United States squad, with players reportedly learning of Balogun’s reinstatement while travelling by bus to a training session at the University of Washington’s Husky Soccer Stadium.

Christian Pulisic said the dismissal had always appeared excessive.

“If you look at the foul, there was zero intent at all. I felt there were much worse challenges in this tournament,” he said.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino also backed FIFA’s decision, arguing the United States had already paid a heavy price by playing with 10 men for the final 30 minutes against Bosnia and Herzegovina after what he described as an unfair refereeing decision.