Donald Trump’s call to FIFA over Folarin Balogun suspension sparks World Cup row

The ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 has taken a political turn after a United States official confirmed that President Donald Trump personally spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the red-card suspension of US men’s national team striker Folarin Balogun.

According to the official, Trump wanted to understand the reasoning behind Balogun’s dismissal and the automatic one-match ban that followed, shortly before an independent appeals process dramatically overturned the sanction. While the official explanation has been made public, many closely following the tournament believe there is more to the story.

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The episode has also drawn renewed attention to Trump's close ties with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has frequently appeared alongside the US president at FIFA events in recent months.

Trump welcomes FIFA decision

According to NDTV, the official confirmed the high-level conversation, saying, "The President and Infantino did speak, and the President wanted to better understand the reason why a red card was given and why there was a suspension. The appeal process is run by an independent board. The US government provided additional evidence that was used in the appeal process. Ultimately, the correct and proper outcome was achieved."

The striker had been sent off during the Americans' 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in their final group-stage match, triggering an automatic one-match suspension. However, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced on Sunday that the suspension would not be enforced. In an unusual statement, FIFA said, "By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year." The decision cleared Balogun to play in the United States' Round of 16 clash against Belgium in Seattle.

Balogun, who was shown a red card in the 64th minute against Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been one of the United States' standout performers at the tournament, scoring three goals so far. Trump, meanwhile, quickly welcomed the decision on Truth Social, writing, "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President Donald J. Trump."

Backlash over FIFA ruling

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it was “astonished,” and Belgium coach Rudi Garcia mocked FIFA's action.

“I didn't know that in the offices of FIFA the fifth of July was the first of April in Europe,” Garcia said through a translator in an April Fools' Day comparison. "The Belgian federation is not only defending itself or the national team. It is defending football, its integrity and its ethics. I think it's the first time in World Cup history that a red card has been overturned like this." Garcia wouldn't respond when asked about a possible appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport or whether he thought Trump impacted FIFA's action.

“In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options,” the Belgian federation said in a statement.

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The shockwaves of the decision reached as far as New Jersey, where Norway manager Stale Solbakken heavily criticised FIFA's ruling following his team's historic 2-1 upset over Brazil. Solbakken warned that the controversy would cast a dark shadow over the remainder of the Americans' tournament.

"I have to be honest. I think that's a big mistake by FIFA," Solbakken told reporters. "He's got a red card. And the VAR concluded that it was a red card. He was sent off. That means you are suspended for one game. I think what really is bad about that situation can be that it will be over the United States now. Because if they beat Belgium, they will always have that extra thing about it."

The Norway manager added that allowing political figures to influence sporting sanctions opens a dangerous door for the game.