Trump Confirms He Asked FIFA to Review US Player Balogun's World Cup Red Card

US President Donald Trump revealed on July 6, 2026, that he personally requested FIFA to reconsider the red card given to American player Folarin Balogun during the World Cup knockout stage. Balogun, a key forward for the US team, had been sent off in the previous match against Bosnia and Herzegovina but was unexpectedly cleared to play in the upcoming round of 16 match against Belgium. Speaking from the White House, Trump described the red card as unjustified and questioned the referee's credibility, saying, "This was not a foul, not even a minor one," and called the referee "somewhat suspicious" based on his past decisions.

Trump praised FIFA's decision to suspend the red card but denied exerting direct pressure on the organization, stating he only asked for a review. He also addressed concerns about setting a precedent for powerful leaders influencing sports decisions, emphasizing that he merely wanted the case examined after watching the play. Balogun's suspension was lifted under FIFA's disciplinary code allowing partial or full suspension of punishments, provided no similar offenses occur during a probation period.

The intervention marked the first time since 1962 that a player suspended in the World Cup was allowed to participate in the next match. Trump had reportedly called FIFA President Gianni Infantino last week to discuss the case. Infantino confirmed the call but stressed that FIFA's judicial bodies operate independently. The US striker, who has scored three goals in the tournament, will now be available for the critical match against Belgium, with a win potentially advancing the US to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.

Belgium's coach Rudy Garcia criticized the decision, calling it damaging to football and likening it to an April Fools' joke. Trump concluded his remarks by suggesting that if Belgium wins without Balogun, it would be fair, but if they win with him sidelined, it would be "rigged," referencing the 2020 US elections without elaborating further.