US President Trump Intervenes to Overturn Balogun's World Cup Red Card
USMNT striker Folarin Balogun received a controversial red card during a World Cup round-of-32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, initially sidelining him for the round-of-16 match against Belgium. President Donald Trump admitted requesting FIFA President Gianni Infantino review the decision. FIFA subsequently overturned the suspension, placing Balogun on one-year probation, sparking backlash from Belgium and accusations of political interference. Balogun, the US team's top scorer with three goals, is now eligible to play.
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Folarin Balogun breaks silence on Donald Trump World Cup red card intervention
USMNT striker Folarin Balogun has spoken publicly for the first time about the controversial suspension of his red card during the 2026 World Cup, admitting the incident may have negatively affected his teammates. Balogun received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but a FIFA disciplinary committee suspended the ban after US President Donald Trump claimed he intervened. In an interview with CBS Mornings, Balogun said he initially felt happy to return but soon realized the controversy caused nerves within the team. The USMNT subsequently lost 4-1 to Belgium in the round of 16, with Balogun ineffective. The decision has been widely criticized as setting an unwelcome precedent, and Belgium players mocked Trump after their victory. Balogun, a Monaco forward born in the US, scored three goals in four games before the exit.
Yardbarker: SoccerBalogun Speaks Out After World Cup Suspension Lifted Amid Trump-Infantino Controversy
Just over a week after his World Cup ban was lifted, US striker Folarin Balogun publicly addressed the controversy surrounding his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun defended his tackle as unintentional and expressed mixed feelings about the controversy caused by US President Donald Trump's phone call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, which preceded the suspension's reversal. The article also covers Lionel Messi's historic first World Cup match against England in the semifinal, a minute of silence before France vs. Spain for the 2016 Nice attack victims, German referee Felix Zwayer's premature exit from the tournament, and the DFB's review of Jürgen Klopp's advertising contracts. Belgium eliminated the USA 4-1 in the round of 16, eliminating all host nations.
Nachrichten - WELTFolarin Balogun predicts soccer will 'only become bigger' in the USA after FIFA World Cup exit
USMNT striker Folarin Balogun expressed optimism about soccer's growth in the United States despite a disappointing Round of 16 exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Balogun, who scored three goals during the tournament and earned praise for his performance against Bosnia, posted an emotional message on X acknowledging the team's shortcomings but emphasizing that 'soccer in America will only become bigger.' His strong performances were overshadowed by controversy after US President Donald Trump successfully intervened with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to overturn a red card Balogun received against Bosnia, sparking criticism about political interference in sporting decisions. Balogun plays for AS Monaco and was the USMNT's top performer at the World Cup.
Yardbarker: SoccerTrump Administration Intervention Leads FIFA to Lift Balogun's Suspension for World Cup Match
American forward Folarin Balogun will start for the USMNT in their World Cup last-16 knockout match against Belgium, despite being sent off in the previous round against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun was originally due to serve a one-match suspension, but world football governing body FIFA unusually lifted the ban following efforts from Trump administration officials. The decision allows Balogun to play in the crucial knockout stage match.
PoliticsTrump Administration Intervention Allows Balogun to Play in World Cup Knockout
American forward Folarin Balogun will start for the USMNT in their World Cup last-16 knockout match against Belgium. Balogun had been sent off in the previous round against Bosnia and Herzegovina and was due to serve a one-match suspension. However, world football governing body FIFA unusually lifted the ban following an effort from Trump administration officials, allowing Balogun to play in the crucial match.
PoliticsTrump Admits Requesting FIFA Review of US Striker Balogun's Red Card at World Cup
US President Donald Trump (80) confirmed he asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card issued to US striker Folarin Balogun during a World Cup round of 32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump called the referee's decision 'terrible' and said he only requested a review. FIFA subsequently announced it would suspend Balogun's automatic match ban on a one-year probation, citing Article 27 of its disciplinary code. This allows Balogun, the US team's top scorer with three goals, to play in the round of 16 match against Belgium. Trump thanked FIFA on his Truth Social network for 'doing the right thing.' The red card was given after a VAR-reviewed collision with Tarik Muharemovic, where Balogun accidentally stepped on his opponent's ankle.
BILD - SportTrump Admits Requesting FIFA Review of US Striker Balogun's Red Card at World Cup
US President Donald Trump (80) confirmed he asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card against US striker Folarin Balogun, calling the referee's decision 'terrible' and unjustified. The incident occurred during the round of 32 match against Bosnia-Herzegovina (2-0), where Balogun was sent off after a VAR intervention for accidentally stepping on an opponent's ankle. Normally, under Article 10.5 of FIFA tournament rules, Balogun would have been automatically suspended for the round of 16 match against Belgium. However, FIFA unexpectedly suspended the one-match ban for a one-year probationary period, citing Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, without providing a reason. Trump thanked FIFA on Truth Social for 'reversing a great injustice.' Balogun, the US team's top scorer with three goals, is now eligible to play in the crucial match against Belgium.
BILD - SportPresident Trump and NFL stars praise FIFA for overturning USMNT's Balogun red card
On July 6, 2026, FIFA overturned Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension, clearing the USMNT striker to face Belgium in the World Cup. The decision, citing Article 27 of FIFA's Disciplinary Code, drew praise from President Donald Trump on Truth Social and from NFL stars Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, and Chase Daniel. Balogun was sent off in the Round of 32 against Bosnia and Herzegovina after a VAR review. Sports analyst Ben Jacobs reported that the White House directly called FIFA to request a review, though FIFA referred to its independent committee. Balogun remains on one-year probation, meaning a similar offense would trigger an automatic suspension. The USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino now has his key scorer back for the match against Belgium.
Yardbarker: SoccerWhite House official spotted with Gianni Infantino before Folarin Balogun's World Cup suspension lifted
Controversy grows around USMNT striker Folarin Balogun's lifted World Cup suspension. FIFA rescinded Balogun's red card from the previous round, making him available for the match against Belgium in Seattle. White House lobbyist Howard Lutnick was spotted sitting next to FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the USMNT game against Bosnia and Herzegovina where the red card was given. President Donald Trump thanked FIFA for the decision. The move has sparked backlash outside the US, with Belgium reportedly furious and considering legal action. Balogun has scored three goals in three World Cup appearances this summer.
Yardbarker: SoccerFolarin Balogun's Suspension Lifted, Boosting USMNT Ahead of Belgium World Cup Match
The USMNT received a major boost on the eve of its round-of-16 World Cup match against Belgium when FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun's one-game red card ban for a year. Balogun, the team's leading scorer, had been sent off in the previous match against Bosnia and Herzegovina for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic. The decision came as a shock to players, who learned of it via social media while on the team bus. Christian Pulisic and other teammates expressed renewed confidence, and defender Alex Freeman noted the extra confidence Balogun's availability provides. Balogun had scored twice in the World Cup opener against Paraguay and set up an own goal against Australia. The news galvanized fans, who had been advocating for his return with 'Free Balo' signs. The U.S. seeks to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.
Soccer - The AthleticFolarin Balogun's Red Card Sidelines Him as USMNT Advances to World Cup Round of 16
Folarin Balogun, the breakout star of the USMNT's 2026 World Cup campaign, scored a crucial goal in a 2-0 round-of-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina but was controversially red-carded after a VAR review in the second half. He watched the remainder of the historic win from the locker room alongside injured teammate Mark McKenzie. Due to the suspension, Balogun will miss the round-of-16 match against Belgium. Teammate Christian Pulisic expressed support, stating the team will win for Balogun. The striker had scored three goals in the tournament, tying him with Landon Donovan and Bert Patenaude for most World Cup goals by an American. His red-card appeal is reportedly under review per FIFA rules.
Soccer - The Athletic