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President Donald Trump waded into the Folarin Balogun red card controversy at the World Cup, calling on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of the controversial decision in the Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, a source confirmed to Pakinomist.
It is unknown what exactly Trump said to Infantino, whom the 45th and 47th presidents have called a “great leader in sports” and a friend.
The USMNT forward, who has three goals in this World Cup, including one before his red card in the round of 16, has been cleared to play in a stunning twist of events.
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President Donald Trump receives the FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 5, 2025 in Washington, DC (Emilee Chinn/FIFA via Getty Images)
The Athletic, which first reported Balogun’s playing status on Sunday, noted that part of FIFA’s disciplinary code stated, “the judicial body may decide to suspend in whole or in part the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”
“If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another offense of similar nature and gravity during the period of probation, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial authority and the sanction shall be carried out without prejudice to any further sanction imposed for the new offence,” the rule added.
FIFA RULES FINAL ON US SOCCER STAR Folarin BALOGUN’S CONTROVERSIAL RED CARD SUSPENSION
FIFA confirmed that Balogun’s suspension was for a probationary period of one year.
“We accept the Disciplinary Committee’s decision and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” US Soccer said. “Our full attention is focused on the round of 16 against Belgium in Seattle and we look forward to the continued support of our fantastic fans.”
Folarin Balogun scored two goals in his first World Cup game for the USA. (Getty Images)
Meanwhile, Belgium, who narrowly escaped Senegal in the round of 16, were “surprised” by FIFA’s decision to allow Balogun to play on Monday night. The Royal Belgian Football Association said it will “examine all potential options” to reverse this decision on Balogun.
Team USA manager Mauricio Pochettino and his staff were thinking about how to replace Balogun at the top of their formation, but now that has all changed, allowing them to run out their regular starting XI against a formidable Belgian side.
While the USMNT will hope to beat Belgium and other opponents going forward, Trump and Infantino will be together at New York/New Jersey Stadium on July 19 for the World Cup final. Just as they did last year at the FIFA Club World Cup finals, Trump will present the World Cup trophy to the winning team’s captain on the field, Infantino said on “Fox & Friends.”
President Donald Trump, Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, and Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, pose for a selfie with Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, during the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on December 5, 2025. (Hector Vivas/FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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If the USMNT beats Belgium on Monday night, they would become just the second team in the country’s history to reach the quarterfinals. They would also face the winner of Portugal and Spain if they can take care of Belgium first.
