A FIRST; REVERSAL OF A RED CARD
Robert Davis
July 5, 2026
FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump holds up a red card as he meets with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, U.S., August 28, 2018. REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Photo
President Donald Trump reportedly intervened in the FIFA World Cup on behalf of Team USA in a way that had political analysts and sports fans holding their sides.
Team USA is scheduled to play in a high-stakes match against Belgium on Monday night, one where the Americans could advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. Initially, it appeared that the U.S. would be without one of its stars, Folarin Balogun, after he received a red card in the team's last match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Red cards carry an automatic one-game suspension.
On Sunday, Ben Jacobs, senior football correspondent for GiveMeSport, reported that FIFA decided to overturn Balogun's suspension after the Trump White House "made a direct call" to FIFA and asked president Gianni Infantino to look at the case.
Yes, that's the same Infantino who previously awarded Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025 for "promoting a ceasefire between Israel and Palestine."
After it was announced that Balogun would be allowed to play on Sunday, Trump thanked FIFA for "doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice" in a post on Truth Social.
Onlookers reacted to the report on social media, with some pointing out a striking irony in the story.
"Possible corruption and cheating aside, hilarious that the Trump administration [was] allegedly pushing hard to reinstate a player who is a literal birthright citizen," Mehdi Hasan, founder of Zeteo News, posted on X. "His pregnant mother gave birth to him on a visit because the airline wouldn’t let her board her return flight."
"Under FIFA rules, the US should now be suspended from competition. Of course, this won't happen," Alonso Gurmendi, a fellow in human rights at LSE Sociology, wrote in a social media post on X.
"Good to see Trump protecting birthright citizenship," Matthew Ygelsias, a columnist for The New York Times, posted on X.
"FIFA has explicit statutes preventing political or government interference. This should be a resigning matter for a repeatedly disgraced FIFA President," Tim Stillman, a football writer for ArseBlog.com, posted on X.
"As a fan, I am obviously overjoyed that Balogun will get to play and that this injustice was corrected," Tommy Vietor, co-host of "Pod Save America," posted on X. "But man, does this look awful for FIFA, and it will make the rest of the world feel like the tournament was rigged."
World Cup bosses wipe out red card for US striker Balogun on eve of Belgium tie
World Cup organisers FIFA on Sunday rescinded the red card handed to the United States striker Folarin Balogun during his side's 2-0 victory in the last 32 over Bosnia and Herzegovina on 1 July.
Issued on: 06/07/2026 - RFI
By: Paul Myers
The decision to lift the one-game ban emerged the day before the US take on Belgium for a place in the quarter-finals.
Fifa, which has been staging the competition since 1930, said its decision relied on Article 27 of disciplinary committee rules.
“The judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure," the rule states.
"By suspending the implementation of the sanction, the judicial body subjects the person sanctioned to a probationary period of one to four years.”
Balogun to play against Belgium
Balogun will be able to play in the game against Belgium at the Seattle Stadium but will serve the one-game ban if he were to be sent off again within a year.
The American president, Donald Trump, hailed the move on social media.
“Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it was astonished by the decision.
"Fifa bases its decision on Article 27 of the Fifa disciplinary code," said a RBFA spokesperson.
"This provision states that the Fifa disciplinary committee may decide to suspend the enforcement of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction.
"However, Article 66.4 of the same Fifa disciplinary code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team's next match, as has been the case for all previous red cards issued during this Fifa World Cup."
Tournament regulations
The spokesperson said the decision was in direct contradiction with the provisions of the tournament's regulations.
"As set out in Article 10.5: 'If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team's subsequent match,'" the RBFA added.
Balogun, who plays his club football for the French Ligue 1 side Monaco, has scored three goals in the American surge to the last 16.
The US head coach Mauricio Pochettino welcomed Fifa's decision. “We were punished enough against Bosnia-Herzegovina to play with 10 men for 30 minutes in a decision that was completely unfair,” said the 54-year-old Argentine.
'Focus on the game'
Rudi Garcia, the Belgium head coach, Belgium, said he was surprised at the decision but would concentrate on the match which could send a Belgium side to the last eight for the second time in three tournaments.
"I am a head coach, I will focus on my team on the game regardless of the 11 starting players from the US," said the 62-year-old Frenchman.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals in Russia in 2018, said: "They have 11 players too. There's not only Balogun. We just have to be on the pitch and do what we do, play football and try and win this game."
US quest for last eight
The US last reached the quarter-finals at the World Cup in 2002. The co-hosts will go into the game as slight favourites following group stage wins over Paraguay in Los Angeles and Australia in Seattle.
Belgium drew against Egypt and Iran before beating New Zealand to top Group G.
In their last 32 tie against Senegal, Belgium were down by two goals before Senegal imploded and allowed Belgium to win 3-2.
The Belgians will also have battle against fervour of the home fans.
"Seattle has been unbelievable in hosting us," said US midfielder Tyler Adams.
"So it's exciting to come back to a place and to know that we can expect that same energy again in the biggest moment in our careers."
World Cup organisers FIFA on Sunday rescinded the red card handed to the United States striker Folarin Balogun during his side's 2-0 victory in the last 32 over Bosnia and Herzegovina on 1 July.
Issued on: 06/07/2026 - RFI
Folarin Balogun was sent off during the United States last 32 game against Bosnia and Herzegovina but organisers of the 2026 World Cup have wiped out the one-game ban for the punishment to allow him to play in the last 16 tie against Belgium.
Getty Images via AFP - JAMIE SQUIRE
By: Paul Myers
The decision to lift the one-game ban emerged the day before the US take on Belgium for a place in the quarter-finals.
Fifa, which has been staging the competition since 1930, said its decision relied on Article 27 of disciplinary committee rules.
“The judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure," the rule states.
"By suspending the implementation of the sanction, the judicial body subjects the person sanctioned to a probationary period of one to four years.”
Balogun to play against Belgium
Balogun will be able to play in the game against Belgium at the Seattle Stadium but will serve the one-game ban if he were to be sent off again within a year.
The American president, Donald Trump, hailed the move on social media.
“Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it was astonished by the decision.
"Fifa bases its decision on Article 27 of the Fifa disciplinary code," said a RBFA spokesperson.
"This provision states that the Fifa disciplinary committee may decide to suspend the enforcement of a previously imposed disciplinary sanction.
"However, Article 66.4 of the same Fifa disciplinary code clearly provides that a red card (sending-off) automatically results in a suspension for the team's next match, as has been the case for all previous red cards issued during this Fifa World Cup."
Tournament regulations
The spokesperson said the decision was in direct contradiction with the provisions of the tournament's regulations.
"As set out in Article 10.5: 'If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team's subsequent match,'" the RBFA added.
Balogun, who plays his club football for the French Ligue 1 side Monaco, has scored three goals in the American surge to the last 16.
The US head coach Mauricio Pochettino welcomed Fifa's decision. “We were punished enough against Bosnia-Herzegovina to play with 10 men for 30 minutes in a decision that was completely unfair,” said the 54-year-old Argentine.
'Focus on the game'
Rudi Garcia, the Belgium head coach, Belgium, said he was surprised at the decision but would concentrate on the match which could send a Belgium side to the last eight for the second time in three tournaments.
"I am a head coach, I will focus on my team on the game regardless of the 11 starting players from the US," said the 62-year-old Frenchman.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals in Russia in 2018, said: "They have 11 players too. There's not only Balogun. We just have to be on the pitch and do what we do, play football and try and win this game."
US quest for last eight
The US last reached the quarter-finals at the World Cup in 2002. The co-hosts will go into the game as slight favourites following group stage wins over Paraguay in Los Angeles and Australia in Seattle.
Belgium drew against Egypt and Iran before beating New Zealand to top Group G.
In their last 32 tie against Senegal, Belgium were down by two goals before Senegal imploded and allowed Belgium to win 3-2.
The Belgians will also have battle against fervour of the home fans.
"Seattle has been unbelievable in hosting us," said US midfielder Tyler Adams.
"So it's exciting to come back to a place and to know that we can expect that same energy again in the biggest moment in our careers."
'Our game, not theirs': Klopp slams FIFA's Balogun decision
Berlin (AFP) – Former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp on Monday slammed FIFA's decision to overturn US striker Folarin Balogun's suspension, which reportedly took place after an intervention from US President Donald Trump.
Issued on: 06/07/2026 - RFI
Balogun was set to miss Monday's last-16 knockout clash with Belgium having picked up a red card in his previous match, but FIFA on Sunday suspended the ban for a year, making the forward eligible to play.
Sources told AFP Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino, asking him to review Balogun's punishment.
Former Liverpool manager Klopp, who is set to become the next Germany manager after Julian Nagelsmann's resignation on Friday, hit out at the decision.
"It's a red card, even if it's a shame because Balogun can't play, but it's there in the rules," Klopp said.
"This is our game, not theirs... If Trump and Infantino really worked this all out between themselves, that's crazy. It calls everything into question...
"These two individuals, neither of whom has a clue about football, shouldn't have anything to do with it," the 59-year-old added.
Balogun, 25, was shown straight a red card after a VAR review showed him stepping on the foot of a Bosnia defender in the US's 2-0 last-32 win.
FIFA's regulations state a red card automatically triggers a one-match ban, which cannot be appealed.
But a rule in the FIFA statues allows the governing body to "fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure", essentially amounting to a veto over refereeing decisions.
The previously little-known rule was the basis for overturning a three-game suspension imposed on Cristiano Ronaldo in the lead-up to the tournament which meant the superstar forward was eligible to play in Portugal's first two games.
German FA (DFB) president Bernd Neuendorf demanded an explanation from FIFA, saying the decision jeopardised the tournament's credibility.
"FIFA should now quickly address reports suggesting that the decision to suspend the red card issued to American player Folarin Balogun was preceded by a phone call between US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino," Neuendorf told AFP subsidiary SID on Monday.
"The impression that there was active political interference in the sport must be swiftly and conclusively dispelled. It is a matter of the integrity of the competition and the credibility of FIFA."
Trump, who was the inaugural recipient of the newly created FIFA Peace Prize in the lead-up to the tournament, praised FIFA's decision on social media.
"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
© 2026 AFP
Berlin (AFP) – Former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp on Monday slammed FIFA's decision to overturn US striker Folarin Balogun's suspension, which reportedly took place after an intervention from US President Donald Trump.
Issued on: 06/07/2026 - RFI
Jurgen Klopp slammed FIFA's decision to overturn Folarin Balogun's ban
© MAURO PIMENTEL / AFP
Balogun was set to miss Monday's last-16 knockout clash with Belgium having picked up a red card in his previous match, but FIFA on Sunday suspended the ban for a year, making the forward eligible to play.
Sources told AFP Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino, asking him to review Balogun's punishment.
Former Liverpool manager Klopp, who is set to become the next Germany manager after Julian Nagelsmann's resignation on Friday, hit out at the decision.
"It's a red card, even if it's a shame because Balogun can't play, but it's there in the rules," Klopp said.
"This is our game, not theirs... If Trump and Infantino really worked this all out between themselves, that's crazy. It calls everything into question...
"These two individuals, neither of whom has a clue about football, shouldn't have anything to do with it," the 59-year-old added.
Balogun, 25, was shown straight a red card after a VAR review showed him stepping on the foot of a Bosnia defender in the US's 2-0 last-32 win.
FIFA's regulations state a red card automatically triggers a one-match ban, which cannot be appealed.
But a rule in the FIFA statues allows the governing body to "fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure", essentially amounting to a veto over refereeing decisions.
The previously little-known rule was the basis for overturning a three-game suspension imposed on Cristiano Ronaldo in the lead-up to the tournament which meant the superstar forward was eligible to play in Portugal's first two games.
German FA (DFB) president Bernd Neuendorf demanded an explanation from FIFA, saying the decision jeopardised the tournament's credibility.
"FIFA should now quickly address reports suggesting that the decision to suspend the red card issued to American player Folarin Balogun was preceded by a phone call between US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino," Neuendorf told AFP subsidiary SID on Monday.
"The impression that there was active political interference in the sport must be swiftly and conclusively dispelled. It is a matter of the integrity of the competition and the credibility of FIFA."
Trump, who was the inaugural recipient of the newly created FIFA Peace Prize in the lead-up to the tournament, praised FIFA's decision on social media.
"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
© 2026 AFP
USA face Belgium and World Cup date with destiny after Trump intervention
Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – The United States face the biggest day of soccer in their history on Monday as they take on Belgium for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic reprieve for star striker Folarin Balogun thanks to the intervention of Donald Trump.
Issued on: 06/07/2026 - RFI
Spain v angry Ronaldo
In the first game Monday, European champions Spain face neighbours Portugal in Dallas for a place in the last eight.
On Sunday, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo came out fighting against critics he said had been "trying to kill me for the past 23 years".
Ronaldo, 41, admitted he was not the player he used to be, but said "I am not doing too bad", pointing to the three goals he has scored at the tournament -- two against Uzbekistan in a 5-0 thrashing in the group phase and a penalty in the 2-1 win over Croatia in the last 32.
Relishing taking on journalists eager to ask about his future and the harsh spotlight on him, Ronaldo told reporters: "It's been like this since I was 18, it is not going to change.
"I always put body and soul trying to get our goals -- playing or not playing, I will always have an important role to play."
Spain started the World Cup sluggishly but found their form in breezing past Austria 3-0 in the last 32 and their own superstar, 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, is ready to showcase his precocious talents, coach Luis de la Fuente said.
"He loves these kinds of games," de la Fuente said. "He likes to be the focus, he likes the responsibility, he likes to take the initiative."
England's victory in the Azteca on Sunday sees them move on to a quarter-final against Norway next Saturday, after Erling Haaland produced two stunning goals to dump Brazil out of the tournament with a 2-1 win.
© 2026 AFP
Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – The United States face the biggest day of soccer in their history on Monday as they take on Belgium for a place in the World Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic reprieve for star striker Folarin Balogun thanks to the intervention of Donald Trump.
Issued on: 06/07/2026 - RFI
US forward Folarin Balogun has been given a World Cup reprieve after a stunning intervention by President Donald Trump © JAMIE SQUIRE / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP
Balogun, who has scored three goals at the World Cup, had been set to miss the clash in Seattle after receiving a straight red card following a video review for stepping on a Bosnia-Herzegovina defender's foot in the round-of-32 match that the US won 2-0.
Under FIFA rules, a straight red card automatically triggers a one-game ban.
Trump called FIFA chief Gianni Infantino asking him to review Balogun's punishment, two sources familiar with the matter told AFP.
World football's governing body said Sunday the ban will now be suspended for a year, in a stunning move for which no specific explanation was offered.
"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
The US team welcomed the decision, which coach Mauricio Pochettino called "fair", but it sparked outrage from Belgium and other teams.
European football's governing body UEFA slammed the ruling declaring Fifa had "crossed a red line".
"We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision," added UEFA in a strongly-worded statement.
The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was "astonished" and stressed it was "investigating all potential options".
England coach Thomas Tuchel, asked about the Balogun case after having one of his own players sent off in the nerve-jangling 3-2 win against Mexico on Saturday, said: "Where does this start and end now? Can we overturn it?
"Where to draw the line is the question I ask. Where does this end now?
"It's my question, I don't have an answer," the German added.
Tuchel's compatriot Jurgen Klopp, who is in line to become the next coach of Germany, did not mince his words.
"This is our game, not theirs... If Trump and Infantino really worked this all out between themselves, that's crazy. It calls everything into question...
"These two individuals, neither of whom has a clue about football, shouldn't have anything to do with it," the 59-year-old added.
The stakes in Monday's game are huge for the co-hosts. Playing on home soil, a strong US start to the tournament has raised expectations to fever-pitch levels among the American public.
Mauricio Pochettino's side are targeting a historic run to at least the quarter-finals, which they have not reached since 2002.
Balogun, who has scored three goals at the World Cup, had been set to miss the clash in Seattle after receiving a straight red card following a video review for stepping on a Bosnia-Herzegovina defender's foot in the round-of-32 match that the US won 2-0.
Under FIFA rules, a straight red card automatically triggers a one-game ban.
Trump called FIFA chief Gianni Infantino asking him to review Balogun's punishment, two sources familiar with the matter told AFP.
World football's governing body said Sunday the ban will now be suspended for a year, in a stunning move for which no specific explanation was offered.
"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
The US team welcomed the decision, which coach Mauricio Pochettino called "fair", but it sparked outrage from Belgium and other teams.
European football's governing body UEFA slammed the ruling declaring Fifa had "crossed a red line".
"We express our disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision," added UEFA in a strongly-worded statement.
The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was "astonished" and stressed it was "investigating all potential options".
England coach Thomas Tuchel, asked about the Balogun case after having one of his own players sent off in the nerve-jangling 3-2 win against Mexico on Saturday, said: "Where does this start and end now? Can we overturn it?
"Where to draw the line is the question I ask. Where does this end now?
"It's my question, I don't have an answer," the German added.
Tuchel's compatriot Jurgen Klopp, who is in line to become the next coach of Germany, did not mince his words.
"This is our game, not theirs... If Trump and Infantino really worked this all out between themselves, that's crazy. It calls everything into question...
"These two individuals, neither of whom has a clue about football, shouldn't have anything to do with it," the 59-year-old added.
The stakes in Monday's game are huge for the co-hosts. Playing on home soil, a strong US start to the tournament has raised expectations to fever-pitch levels among the American public.
Mauricio Pochettino's side are targeting a historic run to at least the quarter-finals, which they have not reached since 2002.
Spain v angry Ronaldo
In the first game Monday, European champions Spain face neighbours Portugal in Dallas for a place in the last eight.
On Sunday, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo came out fighting against critics he said had been "trying to kill me for the past 23 years".
Ronaldo, 41, admitted he was not the player he used to be, but said "I am not doing too bad", pointing to the three goals he has scored at the tournament -- two against Uzbekistan in a 5-0 thrashing in the group phase and a penalty in the 2-1 win over Croatia in the last 32.
Relishing taking on journalists eager to ask about his future and the harsh spotlight on him, Ronaldo told reporters: "It's been like this since I was 18, it is not going to change.
"I always put body and soul trying to get our goals -- playing or not playing, I will always have an important role to play."
Spain started the World Cup sluggishly but found their form in breezing past Austria 3-0 in the last 32 and their own superstar, 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, is ready to showcase his precocious talents, coach Luis de la Fuente said.
"He loves these kinds of games," de la Fuente said. "He likes to be the focus, he likes the responsibility, he likes to take the initiative."
England's victory in the Azteca on Sunday sees them move on to a quarter-final against Norway next Saturday, after Erling Haaland produced two stunning goals to dump Brazil out of the tournament with a 2-1 win.
© 2026 AFP
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