Donald Trump had largely stayed quiet on the World Cup despite the United States co-hosting the tournament, but that changed after FIFA made a shock call on Folarin Balogun’s suspension.
The U.S. striker’s one-game ban was suspended, allowing him to play in Monday’s Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle on July 6, 2026.
Balogun, 25, was sent off during the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, 2026, after a VAR review of a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic. Under normal FIFA disciplinary rules, a straight red card would have ruled him out of the next match.
Instead, FIFA said the punishment would be suspended for a probationary period of one year under Article 27 of its disciplinary code. The red card remains on his record, and any similar offense during that period would reactivate the ban.
While Trump has not been seen at matches, reports suggest he became involved behind the scenes in this case.
“In line with article 27 of the Fifa disciplinary code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.
“If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”
Reacting on Truth Social, the 79-year-old president thanked FIFA for the ruling.
“Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”
Multiple outlets, including CBS, reported that the President called Fifa President Gianni Infantino on Thursday.
Red card punishments are typically not open to appeal, which is why FIFA’s reversal came as such a surprise. Balogun had initially been expected to serve the ban against Belgium, but the disciplinary committee instead chose to defer it.
The decision drew criticism from Belgium’s football federation, which said it was astonished by FIFA’s move to make the United States forward eligible for the match.
U.S. Soccer said it accepted the decision and was pleased Balogun would be available. The striker has been one of the tournament’s standout performers for the hosts, and his presence gives Mauricio Pochettino another major attacking option in a knockout match that could define the Americans’ World Cup run.
Balogun’s red card had already sparked debate because many viewers felt the incident was harsh. The challenge itself was reviewed by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus after VAR intervention, and the sending-off was widely discussed as one of the tournament’s most contentious moments so far.
The ruling also revived memories of FIFA’s previous use of Article 27 in high-profile cases, including Cristiano Ronaldo’s suspension being partially suspended in qualifying for the tournament.
Trump also appeared to take notice of England’s victory over Mexico, singling out captain Harry Kane for praise afterward.
“Harry Kane of England is a GREAT player!!!”
The Balogun case has also put a spotlight on some of FIFA’s other competition rules this year, several of which have been introduced to cut down on time-wasting and keep matches moving.
Substituted players must now leave the field within ten seconds using the nearest exit. If they fail to do so, the incoming player cannot enter until the next stoppage, meaning their team will temporarily play with 10 men.
Referees can also begin a five-second countdown if they believe a player is taking too long over a throw-in or goal kick. If the ball is not back in play in time, possession flips for a throw-in, while a delayed goal kick results in a corner for the opposition.
Players treated off the field by medical staff after an injury must remain off the pitch for one minute, again leaving their team a player short for that spell.
VAR’s scope has also been expanded. It can now be used for an incorrectly awarded corner, second yellow cards that lead to a red, cases where the wrong player is booked or sent off, and attacking fouls that happen before the ball is back in play.
Players who cover their mouths during confrontations will be shown a red card. The measure is intended to address concerns that some players may try to shield abusive language from lip readers.
Another new rule means any player who walks off the pitch in protest at a referee’s call will be sent off, and any team that abandons a match by walking off will forfeit the game.