How a Red Card, a FIFA Rule, and a Presidential Call Put Balogun Back in the World Cup

President Donald Trump personally contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of Folarin Balogun’s red card, a decision that briefly sidelined the U.S. men’s national team striker ahead of a crucial World Cup match against Belgium, a source confirmed to Fox News.

The call followed controversy surrounding Balogun’s dismissal in the Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. While details of the conversation between Trump and Infantino were not disclosed, the two have a well documented relationship, with Trump previously referring to Infantino as a friend and a respected leader in international sports.

In a development that surprised many observers, Balogun has since been cleared to play, allowing the USMNT to field its regular lineup in the Round of 16.

The incident

Balogun received a red card during the Round of 32 match despite having already scored in the game. The decision immediately raised questions within U.S. Soccer circles, given the striker’s importance to the team’s attack.

At the time of the dismissal, Balogun had already scored three goals in the tournament, making him one of the team’s most productive players. His suspension appeared likely to rule him out of the match against Belgium, forcing the coaching staff to consider alternatives.

FIFA review

The Athletic first reported Sunday that Balogun would be eligible to play, citing provisions in FIFA’s disciplinary code. According to the code, FIFA’s judicial body may fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure under certain circumstances.

The rules also specify that if a player benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another similar offense during the probationary period, the suspension can be reinstated without affecting any additional penalties.

FIFA later confirmed that Balogun’s red card resulted in a suspension that has been placed under a one year probationary period, effectively allowing him to return immediately.

U.S. response

U.S. Soccer welcomed the decision and emphasized its focus on the upcoming match.

“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” the organization said in a statement. “Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle.”

The ruling changed plans for head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who had been preparing contingency options in Balogun’s absence. With the striker cleared, the U.S. is expected to start its usual attacking lineup.

Belgian reaction

The decision did not sit well with Belgium. The Royal Belgian Football Association described itself as astonished by FIFA’s ruling and said it is investigating all potential options to challenge Balogun’s eligibility.

Belgium advanced to the Round of 16 after a narrow win over Senegal and now faces a U.S. side at full strength, adding another layer of tension to the matchup.

Political backdrop

Trump’s involvement adds an unusual political dimension to the story. The former president and Infantino are scheduled to appear together at New York and New Jersey Stadium on July 19 for the World Cup final. As he did at last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final, Trump is expected to present the trophy to the winning team’s captain, according to Infantino’s comments on Fox & Friends.

While FIFA has not publicly linked the eligibility decision to Trump’s call, the timing has drawn attention as the tournament moves into its knockout stages.

What is at stake

A win over Belgium would mark a rare achievement for the U.S. men’s national team. The Americans would become just the second team in program history to reach the World Cup quarterfinals and would advance to face the winner of Portugal and Spain.

With Balogun back in the lineup, the U.S. enters the match with renewed confidence and heightened scrutiny over how one disciplinary decision reshaped its World Cup path.

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