FIFA Cancels US Player Balogun’s Red Card, Sparking French Demand and Belgian Outrage

The controversy over FIFA's decision to revoke the red card of US national team striker Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup knockout stage continues to escalate. FIFA allowed Balogun to participate in the round of 16 match despite his initial suspension, a move that has prompted the French Football Federation to consider requesting the cancellation of a yellow card received by Michael Olise, citing a precedent set by Balogun's case. The French argue that Olise's yellow card, given in the 97th minute against Paraguay after an alleged altercation with Matias Galarza, was unjustified as no contact occurred, putting Olise one card away from suspension in the semifinals.

US coach Mauricio Pochettino welcomed FIFA's decision, calling it a correction of an injustice and emphasizing that 99.9% of people agree Balogun's red card was unfair. When asked about political influence following US President Donald Trump's public support for the decision, Pochettino stressed that politics should not interfere with football. Trump praised FIFA on his social media platform Truth Social and reportedly the White House contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Balogun's suspension.

This is the first time since 1962 that a player sent off during the World Cup has been allowed to play in the next match, despite regulations mandating suspension. FIFA based its decision on Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which allows for full or partial suspension of disciplinary sanctions, with the condition that if the player commits a similar offense during the probation period, the original sanction is reinstated along with any new penalties.

Belgium has strongly criticized the ruling, with national coach Rudy Garcia calling it an "April Fools' joke" and the Belgian Football Association expressing shock and considering an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Social media has been flooded with memes mocking the decision, including references to a "Trump card" immunity and concerns that it could encourage US players to act with impunity ahead of their match against Belgium. Journalist Piers Morgan also highlighted Belgian anger over what he called Balogun's "pardon."