US star Balogun knew red card reversal would ‘cause a lot of controversy’

European lawmakers are calling for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino following the organization's decision to overturn a red card suspension for US striker Folarin Balogun. The lawmakers are questioning whether pressure from US President Donald Trump influenced this unprecedented move, which allowed Balogun to play in a match against Belgium despite receiving a red card earlier. A letter circulating in the European parliament urges EU football associations to request a formal FIFA review of the decision-making process and any potential political interference. FIFA stated its disciplinary committee made the decision, while Trump confirmed he asked FIFA to reconsider the case, deeming the red card "horrible." UEFA described the decision as "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable."

Two staff members of the U.S. soccer team, team manager Sam Zapatka and U.S. Soccer Federation vice president of security Frank Pannell, were suspended by FIFA from the team's round of 16 World Cup game against Belgium. FIFA did not provide a reason for the suspensions. The U.S. Soccer Federation also did not offer an explanation, stating only that the suspensions were unrelated to the successful appeal to lift forward Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension. The U.S. team was subsequently eliminated from the World Cup after losing to Belgium 4-1.

The article suggests a pattern of sporting defeat following Donald Trump's presence or intervention. It cites the US Men's National Soccer Team's World Cup exit after Trump asked FIFA to overturn a red card, which was reversed, leading to their subsequent loss. Other examples include the New York Knicks losing after Trump attended an NBA finals game, the Washington Commanders losing an NFL game he attended, and weather delays impacting the Daytona 500 when he was grand marshal. The Ryder Cup and a college football championship game also saw US teams lose when Trump was present. The article contrasts these outcomes with Trump's public claims of constant winning.

FIFA has suspended a one-match ban on USA striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in a crucial World Cup match against Belgium. This decision followed a request for review from US President Donald Trump, who stated he believed the original red card for Balogun was unwarranted. The intervention has divided American supporters, with some viewing it as an unfair advantage and a "stain" on any potential victory, while others argue the red card itself was unjust. FIFA maintains that its independent judicial bodies made the decision, though the timing and Trump's involvement have drawn criticism and praise, with Belgian officials reportedly infuriated.

Folarin Balogun will start for the United States against Belgium in their World Cup round of 16 match after FIFA lifted his red-card suspension. Balogun received the suspension for stepping on an opponent's ankle during a previous game. Following a phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, FIFA's disciplinary committee suspended the discipline for a year. This decision was met with strong criticism from UEFA, who called it "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable." Belgium's attempt to reinstate the suspension was denied. Balogun was also fined $40,000, a penalty the U.S. Soccer Federation can pay.

FIFA has faced criticism for reversing a red card issued to USA forward Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. Balogun received the card for an on-field incident, which would have resulted in a one-game suspension for the match against Belgium. However, FIFA suspended the red card after US President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to review the case. Experts suggest this intervention sets a dangerous precedent, potentially influenced by Trump's agenda and FIFA's pursuit of revenue. FIFA stated its judicial committees are independent, but Infantino confirmed his conversation with Trump, explaining he receives calls from various global leaders. The decision has drawn outrage and questions from other national team coaches about the fairness and consistency of FIFA's disciplinary process.

Belgium defeated the USA 4-1 in a World Cup last-16 match in Seattle on July 6, 2026. The game was overshadowed by FIFA's controversial decision to overturn a ban on USA forward Folarin Balogun, a decision reportedly influenced by US President Donald Trump. Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin stated the win felt like justice following this FIFA decision. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice for Belgium, with Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku also finding the net. The Belgian team's goal celebration mimicked President Trump's signature dance move, drawing mockery on social media. Belgium fans chanted "FIFA Mafia" before the match, criticizing FIFA President Gianni Infantino's perceived inaction on other matters.

Folarin Balogun played a minimal role in the United States' 4-1 World Cup round of 16 loss to Belgium on Monday, despite his suspension being controversially lifted. Balogun had received a red card in a previous match but FIFA reinstated him after U.S. President Donald Trump intervened. This decision led to criticism from soccer leaders, with UEFA stating FIFA "crossed a red line" and Belgium questioning Balogun's eligibility. While Balogun assisted Malik Tillman's goal, he did not score himself and was unable to get past Belgium's goalkeeper. He finished the tournament with three goals, matching a U.S. record for a single World Cup.

Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in the round of 16 of the World Cup, eliminating the cohosts from the tournament. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice for Belgium, with Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku adding goals. Malik Tillman scored the lone goal for the USA. The match was preceded by controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's starting place after FIFA controversially overturned his one-game suspension. Belgium will now face Spain in the quarterfinals. The USA's performance was described as flat, and the team conceded an early goal which deflated the atmosphere.

Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 to advance to the World Cup quarter-finals. The victory was significant for Belgium, who felt they overcame an injustice after FIFA suspended a red card previously issued to US striker Folarin Balogun. Balogun's red card, given in a previous match, had been overturned, allowing him to play against Belgium, a decision that reportedly involved lobbying from Donald Trump and was called "incomprehensible and unjustifiable" by UEFA. Belgian players stated the controversy motivated them, with their social media posting "Overturn this" after the win. Manager Rudi Garcia downplayed the incident's impact on their game plan.

FIFA has controversially suspended a red card suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium in the World Cup last-16. Balogun received a red card for stepping on an opponent's ankle during a previous match, which would have resulted in an automatic one-game ban. The decision to overturn the suspension came after a request from United States President Donald Trump to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino. Critics argue this intervention undermines the tournament's integrity and sets a dangerous precedent, while FIFA cited a rule allowing for the suspension of disciplinary measures. This marks the first time since 1962 a red card during a World Cup has not led to a suspension, sparking significant backlash from football associations and pundits.

Fifa President Gianni Infantino confirmed he received a call from US President Donald Trump before Folarin Balogun, a US forward, was cleared to play against Belgium. Balogun had received a red card in a previous match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, leading to a suspension. Following Trump's call to Infantino to advocate for Balogun, Fifa lifted the suspension. The Belgian football federation challenged this decision, and the European football body Uefa called it an "incomprehensible" breach of rules. Trump acknowledged his call and claimed credit for Fifa reviewing the red card.

UEFA has criticized FIFA's decision to allow U.S. forward Folarin Balogun to play in a World Cup match against Belgium, despite receiving a red card in his previous game. UEFA called the decision "incomprehensible and unjustifiable," stating that FIFA "crossed a red line" by not enforcing the mandatory one-game ban. The European soccer body believes this decision undermines the integrity and credibility of the competition. FIFA reportedly made this ruling after coming under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, deferring Balogun's ban for one year of probation. The Belgian soccer federation was preparing an appeal against this ruling.

FIFA has lifted the suspension of U.S. player Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the upcoming World Cup match against Belgium. Balogun received a red card for stepping on an opponent's ankle, which typically results in an automatic one-game ban. However, following a call from U.S. President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFA invoked a rarely used rule to suspend the implementation of the disciplinary measure. This decision has drawn criticism from Belgium, which is challenging Balogun's eligibility, and has sparked debate about political influence in sports. FIFA has not provided detailed reasoning for its decision, but Balogun's suspension could be reinstated later if he commits a similar offense within a year.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 match between the USA and Belgium, scheduled for Monday at 7pm in Seattle, is overshadowed by controversy. US President Donald Trump reportedly lobbied FIFA and its chief to review a red card suspension for American striker Folarin Balogun. FIFA subsequently suspended Balogun's ban, allowing him to play against Belgium, a decision that has drawn criticism for potentially influencing the game through political intervention and raising questions about the integrity of FIFA's disciplinary process. The USA topped Group D and defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32, while Belgium finished first in Group G and beat Senegal in extra time to reach this stage.

President Donald Trump stated he contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of a red card issued to U.S. forward Folarin Balogun during a World Cup match. Trump described the referee's call as "horrible" and believed it was not a foul. While Trump asked for a review, he asserted he did not demand a specific outcome, leaving the final decision to FIFA. FIFA subsequently lifted Balogun's mandatory one-game suspension, allowing him to play in the next match. This decision was met with praise from Trump and condemnation from some in the international sports community, who viewed it as an improper intrusion.

The United States men's national soccer team will face Belgium in a crucial World Cup match with a spot in the quarterfinals at stake. American forward Folarin Balogun will be available to play after FIFA rescinded his one-game suspension for a red card received against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun leads the U.S. with three goals in the tournament. The match will be held in Seattle, a stadium known for its loud atmosphere. This game has overshadowed the Portugal vs. Spain match, which features Cristiano Ronaldo in what he has stated will be his final World Cup. Belgium has been training in Seattle and has played two previous matches at the venue.

The United States men's national soccer team will face Belgium in the World Cup round of 16, aiming for their first back-to-back knockout stage wins and a quarterfinal appearance since 2002. Folarin Balogun is eligible to play after his suspension was overturned. The Americans, ranked 17th, will play the 9th-ranked Belgians in a rematch of their 2014 encounter, which Belgium won in extra time. Belgium previously defeated Senegal 3-2 in extra time in their round of 32 match. This game is crucial for the US team's goal of elevating soccer's popularity in the United States.

FIFA has suspended the one-match ban on United States' striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the team's World Cup last 16 match against Belgium. Balogun had received a red card for stepping on an opponent's ankle during a previous game, which would have ruled him out of the crucial fixture. FIFA's decision, made under Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, places Balogun on a one-year probationary period, meaning the suspension will be enforced if he commits a similar offense within that time. US President Donald Trump publicly thanked FIFA for reversing the ban, calling it a "great injustice." US Soccer also welcomed the decision, expressing pleasure that their leading World Cup goal scorer is eligible to compete.

Folarin Balogun, the United States' leading scorer with three World Cup goals, will be allowed to play against Belgium in the round of 16 after FIFA suspended his one-game ban. Balogun received a red card for stepping on an opponent's foot during the round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA announced the suspension is for a probationary period of one year, meaning the ban will be enforced if Balogun commits a similar offense within that time. The U.S. Soccer Federation learned of the decision via a message from FIFA. Balogun had previously expressed his belief that a yellow card would have been a fairer punishment for the foul.