FIFA president Gianni Infantino told World Cup decision could have cost him his job
La Liga president Javier Tebas has stated that FIFA president Gianni Infantino could have lost his job if the USA had beaten Belgium in the 2026 World Cup last-16. The match was preceded by controversy after USA striker Folarin Balogun's red card suspension was suspended for 12 months following a call from U.S. President Donald Trump to Infantino. FIFA's disciplinary committee reversed the decision, allowing Balogun to play, but the USA lost 4-1. Tebas said the result likely saved Infantino's presidency. An official complaint was also made to the International Olympic Committee alleging Infantino's dealings with Trump breached political neutrality, but no sanctions followed. Tebas further criticized Infantino's leadership and the proposed expansion of the World Cup to 64 teams, arguing it harms domestic football.
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