Did he say 'Bismillah'? Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty whisper ignites global debate

Copyright AP Photo

By Peter Barabas & Euronews’ Doha and Dubai bureaus and Euronews Portuguese and Arabic services

Published on 03/07/2026 - 

Superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo’s whisper broadcast live around the world before the decisive penalty against Croatia sparked a global debate over whether it was an Arabic-inspired sacred invocation or his own pre-Saudi encouragement routine in Portuguese.

The deeply personal moment of Cristiano Ronaldo's maximum concentration was captured by a camera close-up and broadcast live to billions around the world seconds before taking the decisive penalty in Portugal’s 2-1 dramatic victory over Croatia on Friday.

Yet it was his whisper to himself that ignited a worldwide debate on social media as to what exactly he said.

Social media users across the Arabic-speaking world erupted in cheers on Friday, proclaiming that he whispered “Bismillah” twice.

Meanwhile in Portugal, the nation held its breath for those endless seconds that decide in an instant between a hero and a villain. The debate appears to be divided between “vamos lá” (“come on”) and “vais marcar” (“you will score”).

“Bismillah,” or “In the Name of God,” is used across the Arabic-speaking and Muslim-majority world as an invocation for God’s help, guidance or blessing before taking any action, in hopes of good outcomes.

Cristiano Ronaldo joined the Saudi Professional League in 2022 to play for Al Nassr, much to the delight of the entire Arab world, and it was this crucial moment that captured their imagination with multiple social media videos showing men freezing in front of their TVs for a second and then erupting both in disbelief and in celebration to exclaim that “Ronaldo said Bismillah".

The Arabic-language media across the Gulf and beyond joined the deciphering movement by cautiously – or shyly – front-paging the unexpected, but the much-desired: that the global superstar may have indeed whispered “Bismillah” as a striking routine, signalling that the moment has now indeed arrived to consider CR7 not just Portugal’s champion and captain, but also a legend of the Arabic world.

The debate inevitably galvanised staff at Euronews’ Doha and Dubai bureaus and its Arabic service in analysing the moment, all of which converge on the conclusion that Cristiano Ronaldo did whisper “Bismillah”.

Our journalists also raised the crucial point that Cristiano Ronaldo has said “Bismillah” many times before while playing in the Saudi league for pre-strike inspiration, and that this may be the first time the champion’s intimate self-encouragement moment plays out on the global stage – and to global sensation.

In the social media arena, one user from Saudi Arabia exclaimed: “so moving how Cristiano Ronaldo has been influenced by Islamic culture since arriving in Saudi Arabia! And even more impactful how he repeated the phrase (Bismillah) in a moment of focus to score the goal."

Another user from Pakistan explained that “Ronaldo recites Bismillah before every penalty kick. He once said in an interview: whenever I say Bismillah, I score a goal.”

As the intense debate raged on, another social media user countered that “Ronaldo isn’t saying Bismillah. He’s saying 'vais marcar'. Basically telling himself ‘you’re going to score.’ His accent would make him pronounce it 'bais marcar' which looks a lot like Bismillah.”

Portugal’s and also Al Nassr’s captain has not yet shed light on the debate, focusing instead on greeting the Portuguese fans gathered outside the team’s hotel after the match to celebrate with them Portugal’s advance to the quarter-final stages, largely thanks to that quiet moment of inspiration that decided the qualifier and silenced his critics.

The 'other kick-off': NGOs warn of domestic violence spike during World Cup

With the World Cup in full swing, several NGOs have launched awareness campaigns to prevent domestic abuse – incidents of which studies have shown increase on match nights.

Issued on: 04/07/2026 - RFI

An England supporter watches the television broadcast of the 2026 World Cup match between England and Panama at a pub in Hebburn, north-east England, 27 June. AFP - SCOTT HEPPELL

As England began its pursuit of World Cup glory, large panels could be seen in London's streets displaying the words "11:37pm: The Other Kick Off".

This is the name of an awareness campaign launched by Women's Aid – one of the United Kingdom's leading organisations fighting domestic violence – to coincide with the national team's first World Cup match against Croatia on 17 June.

In this context, kick-off refers not just to the start of the match, but the time of night when an abusive partner comes home after watching the match – a moment dreaded by many women and children.

The campaign was rolled out across digital billboards, mobile advertising trucks and posters placed near fan zones

QR codes direct people to the organisation’s support services, which are aimed not just at victims but at their loved ones, and witnesses.

"For women and children who are victims of domestic abuse, the 'kick-off' takes on a different meaning," Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women’s Aid, said.

"The final whistle marks the start of a terrifying and potentially life-threatening situation."

Reported rise

While the charity points out that "football is not the root cause of domestic violence", it added: "We also know that heightened emotions and alcohol consumption can lead to an increase in the frequency and severity of such violence."

In a country where football culture is deeply ingrained, several studies have documented this phenomenon.

A 2013 study by Lancaster University, which analysed reports from North West England during the 2002, 2006, and 2010 World Cups, showed a rise in domestic violence on nights when England played: a 38 percent increase following a defeat, and a 26 percent increase following a win or a draw.

During the 2018 World Cup, the National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) organised a hard-hitting campaign: "If England get beaten, so will she."

The UK is not the only country where this phenomenon has been recorded.

"Across the globe, the number of reports of domestic violence made to the police rises with depressing predictability during major sporting events, such as the World Cup," UNESCO and UN Women reported.

The UK's Crown Prosecution Service, responsible for prosecutions in England and Wales, is urging victims to come forward and reiterating that domestic abuse is a "serious crime".

According to the National Police Chiefs’ Council, more than 300 domestic abuse offences were reported during the Euro 2024 tournament by victims who believed the perpetrator's behaviour was linked to football.

International response

In the three host countries of the 2026 World Cup – Mexico, Canada and the United States – organisations combatting violence against women have coordinated their efforts to raise awareness of the issue.

Women’s Shelters Canada, the Red Nacional de Refugios in Mexico, and the National Network to End Domestic Violence in the US have jointly launched a trilingual campaign to give guidance to victims.

'Home is the most dangerous place for women and girls': UN report

In Mexico, UN Women, Unicef, UNFPA and the country's government have also launched the "Teaming Up Against Domestic Violence" campaign, aimed at helping neighbours, loved ones and communities recognise the warning signs and intervene before the violence escalates.

In France, there have been no specific studies on the links between football or major sporting events and domestic violence.

Representatives from the 3919 domestic violence helpline told French news agency AFP that it was difficult to establish a correlation based on the calls it received.

Women contacting the line "do not specify whether they were slapped because there was a match the day before," noted Mine Günbay, director of the Fédération Nationale Solidarité Femmes (FNSF), which manages the 3919 service.
Heatwave alert

Researchers have found that another aggravating factor coinciding with events such as the World Cup is the intense heat currently being experienced in several countries.

According to a study published in 2025 by the Spotlight Initiative – a joint programme of the UN and the European Union – every 1C rise during an extreme heatwave is linked to an approximately 5 percent increase in domestic violence.

Here, too, experts urge caution, saying that heat does not cause – and therefore does not excuse – violence, but can act as a factor that lowers inhibitions or exacerbates a situation.

Amnesty warns of 'serious risks' to certain fans during 2026 World Cup

The World Cup has also highlighted other forms of economic abuse and coercive control.

Argentina provided US authorities with a list of more than 13,000 individuals registered as not paying their child support, seeking to bar them from attending the national team’s matches in the US, as reported by the daily newspaper La Nación.

"Anyone who fails to meet an obligation as fundamental as providing for their children must face the consequences," government spokesman Jorge Macri said.

This article was adapted from the original version in French by Aurore Lartigue.

Kylian Mbappé condemns Paraguayan senator over 'despicable' racist abuse


Kylian Mbappé has condemned a Paraguayan senator on Monday for making racist comments about him after France's World Cup last-16 victory over Paraguay, calling her "despicable" and "not worthy" of her position. The remarks sparked widespread condemnation from French officials, including President Emmanuel Macron.


Issued on: 07/07/2026 
By: FRANCE 24

France's forward Kylian Mbappe celebrates past Paraguay's goalkeeper Orlando Gill after winning the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Paraguay and France at the Philadelphia Stadium on July 4, 2026. © Mauro Pimentel, AFP

Kylian Mbappé on Monday labelled a Paraguayan senator "despicable" and "not worthy of her position" after she racially abused the France captain on social media following the World Cup last-16 clash between the countries at the weekend.

Mbappé's reaction came after Celeste Amarilla attacked the Real Madrid superstar in the wake of Saturday's game in Philadelphia, a bad-tempered affair which France won 1-0.

"Mrs Celeste Amarilla, you are a despicable woman and not worthy of your position," Mbappé wrote on X.

"You do not represent Paraguay, the country that has sweated passion and honour throughout the competition.

"Through your lack of awareness and your uninhibited racism, the entire world has already forgotten your team's run and historic effort at this World Cup," he added.

Amarilla racially abused Mbappé and, in another post, called him a "colonised Cameroonian who has really pretended to be French, embittered, nouveau riche, arrogant and ugly", and accused him of being "scared to death" during the game.

Mbappé penalty Paraguay use rowdy tactics © France 24
15:23

The comments have provoked an angry reaction in France, with the country's sports minister, Marina Ferrari, describing them as "abject, disgraceful and all the more unacceptable coming from a politician".

Mbappé, whose father was originally from Cameroon before settling in France, scored the only goal of the game from a penalty in the second half, taking Les Bleus through to a quarter-final this Thursday against Morocco.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the "racist attacks" directed at the France captain.

"The President of the Republic stands with Kylian Mbappé and the French team in the face of the racist attacks directed at the Bleus' captain," the Élysée Palace said.

The president of Paraguay has written to the French president condemning the remarks, as has the Paraguayan ministry of foreign affairs, the Élysée added.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

Belgium thump USA to reach quarter-finals and end co-hosts' World Cup dream

BELGIUM 3  USA 1

Issued on: 07/07/2026 
By: FRANCE 24

Charles De Ketelaere scored a double for Belgium to sink the hosts' World Cup hopes. © Alex Grimm, Getty Images via AFP

Charles De Ketalaere scored twice as Belgium thumped the US hosts 4-1 in their World Cup last-16 clash in Seattle. The buildup to the match was overshadowed by a row raging over US President Donald Trump's extraordinary intervention to earn a red-card reprieve for striker Folarin Balogun.

Balogun, the US team's outstanding player at the World Cup so far, had been set to miss the game against Belgium after receiving a red card in the victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina in the previous round.

But on Sunday FIFA said it was suspending the card, sparking a furore as Trump confirmed he had contacted its boss Gianni Infantino directly about the red card.

A FIRST; REVERSAL OF A RED CARD

Trump's  meddling in FIFA World Cup stuns analysts: 'Man, does this look awful'

Robert Davis
July 5, 2026

RAW STORY


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 game

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."

FIFA lifts Balogun's World Cup suspension after Trump calls Infantino


US President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asked him to review the World Cup suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun, the US president confirmed Monday. FIFA later lifted Balogun's one-match ban, clearing him to face Belgium in the last 16 after his red card against Bosnia.


Issued on: 06/07/2026 - 
By: FRANCE 24
Video by: Morgan AYRE

FIFA President Gianni Infantino hands the FIFA World Cup Winners Trophy to President Donald Trump, White House, August 22, 2025 © Jacquelyn Martin, AP
01:39

US President Donald Trump intervened on behalf of American star forward Folarin Balogun, whose suspension was lifted in a decision that allows him to play in a World Cup match against Belgium on Monday.

Balogun, the American leader with three goals, received a red card for stepping awkwardly on the right ankle of Tarik Muharemović of Bosnia and Herzegovina in a 2-0 round of 32 win on Wednesday. A red card triggers an automatic one-game suspension.

FIFA announced Sunday that the suspension had been lifted, triggering praise from Trump and outrage from Belgium’s team.

Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino after the game asking FIFA review the red card, the US president confirmed Monday.

“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump said in a statement on social media.

'Astonished'

But Infantino insisted on Monday that FIFA's disciplinary process was independent.

"I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA's independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies," Infantino said in a statement.

Trump told reporters at the White House he had called Infantino, with whom he has built a close relationship, "because I didn't think it was a foul".

"All I did was ask for a review, I didn't say you have to do this," Trump added.

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 5th of July was the 1st of April in Europe,” Garcia said through a translator in an April Fools' Day comparison. “The Belgian federation does not defend itself, it does not protect the national team, She defends football in general, she defends her integrity, her ethics. I think it’s the first time in the history of the World Cup that there is this kind of decision.”

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.

American players learned of Balogun’s availability when social media posts started popping up during the 10-minute bus ride Sunday from their hotel to training at the University of Washington’s Husky Soccer Stadium.
Red card controversy

Balogun’s red card had been one of the World Cup's most controversial and consequential decisions.

“If you look at the foul, it was just zero intent at all,” US star Christian Pulisic said. “I felt like there was much worse ones that went on this tournament.”

The US Soccer Federation learned of FIFA's action in a message sent by FIFA in its portal at 10:31am EDT.

“The implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” FIFA announced. “If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”

Balogun’s three goals included a go-ahead strike against Bosnia. He matched Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second-most goals by an American in a World Cup, behind only Bert Patenaude’s four in the initial tournament in 1930.

A 25-year-old who plays for Monaco, Balogun scored 13 Ligue 1 goals last season. He has 12 goals in 30 international appearances. He was born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents who were living in London and in 2023 opted to change his national team affiliation from England, which he had represented at the under-21 level.

“He strikes fear into a lot of defenders,” Richards said.

The host US is seeking to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. The Americans lost in the round of 16 to Ghana in 2010, Belgium in 2014 and the Netherlands in 2022. They failed to advance from the group stage in 2006 and didn’t qualify for the 2018 tournament.

The USSF said it will not make Balogun available for comment Sunday, but Balogun posted on social media a picture of himself in front of US fans and overlaid with music of Michael Jackson’s pop single “Bad”.

On Friday, Balogun said he thought a yellow card instead of red “would have been fair”.

FIFA 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. By suspending the implementation of the sanction, the judicial body subjects the person sanctioned to a probationary period of one to four years,” the rule states.

FIFA in November deferred the final two games of a three-match ban for Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo for a red card against Ireland in a World Cup qualifier, allowing him to play at the start of the World Cup.

Argentine defender Nicolás Otamendi and Ecuadoran midfielder Moisés Caicedo in April had one-game bans deferred for red cards in qualifiers, also allowing them to be available for World Cup openers.

Brazil’s Garrincha was ejected from a 1962 semifinal but allowed to play in the final against Chile after political pressure.

(FRANCE 24 with AP and AFP)

Belgium granted right to appeal FIFA's Balogun decision


Belgium have been granted the right to appeal FIFA's decision to overturn US striker Folarin Balogun's suspension, The Athletic reported on Monday, which reportedly took place after an intervention from US President Donald Trump.


Issued on: 06/07/2026
By: FRANCE 24
Video by: Selina SYKES

United States forward Folarin Balogun gestures after scoring a goal during the first half of the World Cup 2026 match between the US and Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara on July 1, 2026. © Stephen Lam, San Francisco Chronicle via AP
10:33



Belgium ⁠have been granted the right to appeal FIFA's decision ⁠to suspend the one-game ban ​to United States national team striker Folarin Balogun, according to a report by The Athletic.

Balogun had been slated to miss Monday's round of 16 match after being issued a direct red ​card, which carried an automatic one-match suspension. However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the one-game ban had been suspended.

The ruling triggered widespread debate as well as a statement from the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) that said it was exploring "all potential options".

According to The Athletic, the RBFA formally wrote to FIFA to appeal the matter, which was granted. The ​RBFA and US Soccer ‌were reportedly asked to make submissions by 5am PT – exactly 12 hours before the scheduled start of the match at Seattle ⁠Stadium.

A member of the FIFA appeals committee has been selected to hear the case, according to the report. The member is not associated with a federation in either UEFA or CONCAFAF.

Belgium have not been guaranteed that a ruling will be ‌made before Monday's match.

Balogun is currently eligible to play and is expected to start. The 25-year-old has a team-best three goals ⁠during this World Cup, including what turned out to be the game-winning goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina last Wednesday.

However, Balogun was later issued a red card following a VAR review. He was slated to have to sit out against Belgium until Sunday's surprising ruling by FIFA.

US President Donald Trump reportedly ​called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask him to review the matter, while secretary of commerce Howard Lutnick and other White House ‌officials were also involved.

Trump praised the decision in a Truth Social post, writing, "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!"

A red card or suspension officially cannot be appealed. FIFA, however, posted this message to its website Sunday about its use of the rule book in the case: "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."

US Soccer issued its own statement in response to the action: "We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin ​Balogun is eligible to complete tomorrow.

"Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans."

The RBFA countered with a lengthy statement from its football federation decrying FIFA's decision and citing other pieces of the disciplinary code and competition ​regulations that made red-card decisions sound final.

"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 statement concluded, "the RBFA is ​investigating all potential options."

US team’s Folarin Balogun free to play after Trump lobbies FIFA to remove ban

Cover image: © France 24
05:59

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia began his pre-match press conference Sunday afternoon by declaring he didn't know the fifth of July had turned into April Fool's Day.

"A lot of our thoughts and opinions are in the release," Garcia ​said. "We're not defending the national team or the federation, we are defending football."

European soccer body UEFA criticized FIFA for an “incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision”, saying in a statement that FIFA had “crossed a red line”.

“Sometimes rules are open to interpretation. In this case not,” UEFA said, adding, “the integrity of the game is at stake and the credibility of a competition is undermined.”

Before the start of the World Cup last month, Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo faced a three-match suspension, with the final two potentially keeping him out of group-stage matches. Instead, he sat one match, with the other two suspended and converted to a one-year probation period.

US coach Mauricio Pochettino defended FIFA's decision to suspend Balogun's ban.

"For me, there isn't much debate here, though I do understand Belgium's perspective and Rudi's point of view," Pochettino told reporters Sunday. "I understand why ⁠people conflate issues – people always do, because there's often an agenda to mix things up – but in this case, I don't think it's right."

"If anyone was harmed in this whole situation, it was the United ⁠States. Can anyone justify the idea ​that we weren't punished? I mean, playing 30 or 35 minutes a man down in a World Cup knockout match? It's not as if we're benefiting. No, no. There's no extraordinary gain we're getting out of all this. I mean, ultimately, we aren't victims, but we aren't the villains of this story either."

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)

Trump's 'head-spinning' remark on soccer match fuels growing 'global news mess': analyst

Tom Boggioni
July 6, 2026

RAW STORY


CEO of Dell Technologies, Michael Dell, talks to his wife, Susan, as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an event to mark the launch of "Trump Accounts" in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 6, 2026. REUTERS/Evan Vucci

Reporting on a Donald Trump press availability on Monday afternoon, where the president addressed the firestorm over his intervention to get US soccer player Folarin Balogun reinstated to play against Belgium in the World Cup despite a disqualifying red card, MS NOW’s Vaughan Hillyard said the president only made matters worse.

Speaking with host Ali Vitali, Hillyard pointed out that the president made an admission that he found startling.

“I think the president made one very head-spinning comment for all soccer fans around the world, and that was the fact that he didn't even know what a red card was before last week's U.S. matchup,” he told the host.

Specifically, the president told reporters, “I spoke to [FIFA President] Gianni [Infantino], who's highly respected, who's produced the most successful World Cup in history, by, they say, four times they gave him a red card. I didn't know what that meant.”

Trump continued, “I didn't think it meant much. Then I started hearing that that means he can't play in the next game. All I did, I asked for a review because I didn't think it was a foul. I related just that I didn't tell him what to do. I can't tell him what to do, but — and I don't believe he made the decision. I think it was a committee that made the decision and they made the right decision.”

According to Hillyard, Trump’s admission about his ignorance of the rules raised the stakes for FIFA.

"And so the Belgian Football Association has appealed this decision here by FIFA,” he reported. “ And what? We're about six hours away from kickoff here in this matchup tonight, Ali. And the question is, will FIFA, which has not expressly articulated why they reversed their decision in the first place to keep Balogun on the field tonight, whether they will take up that appeal from Belgium and reverse course.”

“This is not just a sports mess right now, but it's a global news mess here as well,” he added.

Rubio threatens to accost Belgium at NATO summit in Trump soccer scandal escalation

David Edwards
July 6, 2026 

RAW STORY


U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends a joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban (not pictured) in Budapest, Hungary, February 16, 2026. REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo

Secretary of State Marco Rubio threatened to escalate the controversy over President Donald Trump's intervention in a U.S, soccer player's suspension by using an upcoming NATO summit to focus on it.

While meeting with Chilean Foreign Minister Francisco Perez Mackenna on Monday, Rubio was asked about Belgium's appeal of FIFA's decision to reverse U.S. player Folarin Balogun's suspension ahead of the World Cup match with Belgium.

"It was a bad decision," Rubio said of the suspension. "I think it was the right decision to reverse it."

"And if you're Belgium, why would you want to play a game and win a match, and then you win this match, and then everyone will argue you didn't really win it because their best player, leading scorer, was not on the pitch during that — during the match?" he continued. "You want the other side to be at its best so that your victory is not tainted in that way."

The U.S. Secretary of State went on to claim that Belgium might be "trying to get an international incident."

"I don't know; maybe we'll bring it up at NATO tomorrow when we're there with the Belgians and everybody else," he warned. "But I just hope the match will go on, everyone will be at full strength, and the winner will be the winner."

'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

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

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.

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

Stunned silence and awkward laughs in Oval Office at MAGA senator's FIFA admission

“On behalf of all Americans, thank you for getting rid of that ridiculous red card,” Cruz said.

Alexander Willis
July 6, 2026

RAW STORY


Children rest on the floor as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an event to mark the launch of "Trump Accounts" in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 6, 2026. REUTERS/Evan Vucci

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) stunned the Oval Office Monday into a brief moment of silence after openly admitting to President Donald Trump’s meddling in a FIFA World Cup game – an acknowledgement that later elicited awkward laughter from those in the room.

Last week, Folarin Balogun, who plays for the U.S. national team, received a red card, a penalty that carries a one-game suspension. However, reporting from Politico revealed that Trump’s inner circle had mobilized within minutes to intervene and were ultimately successful in getting Balogun’s suspension overturned.

Cruz, while attending an Oval Office ceremony for the launch of “Trump Accounts,” not only acknowledged Trump’s alleged involvement in FIFA’s decision, but thanked the president directly for it.

“On behalf of all Americans, thank you for getting rid of that ridiculous red card,” Cruz said.

The seven people surrounding Cruz let out a hushed round of nervous laughter before falling silent. Trump grinned as those in the room exchanged glances.

After several seconds, Trump, still grinning, proclaimed Cruz’s remark to be “interesting,” eliciting another round of awkward laughter.

“It was spectacular!” Cruz said. “There was a reason the FIFA trophy stood here for as long as it did.”

Fox News reporter unloads on 'complete and utter mess' after Trump's soccer meddling

David Edwards
July 6, 2026 

RAW STORY


Fox News/screen grab

A Fox News reporter lashed out at the "complete and utter mess" unfolding at the World Cup after President Donald Trump intervened in a FIFA ruling.

Fox News correspondent Jonathan Hunt was reporting live from Lumen Field in Seattle, describing the dispute surrounding FIFA's decision to lift U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's one-game red-card suspension — a reversal that came after Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino directly. The match is on Monday.

The suspension had been automatic, with no right of appeal, after Balogun received a red card in the U.S.'s 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina last Wednesday. A video review of the play led to the card.

"This is frankly just a complete mess, and it's a mess of FIFA's making at this point," Hunt said on Fox & Friends.

Belgium immediately protested the reversal. FIFA gave both sides until 8 a.m. Eastern Monday to make their case, a deadline Hunt noted had already passed by the time he was speaking.

"It is a complete and utter mess, and it's a huge distraction for both teams," he said.

"Belgium also, to be fair to them, they don't know how to prepare. So it's awful for both sides. And what is also absolutely terrible is it takes the focus off of football."

"And now you have this awful situation of a red card going into a kind of legal process," Hunt continued. "It's terrible for the sport. It's terrible for the World Cup, and it's terrible for the U.S. team."

According to CBS News and Axios, Trump called Infantino on Thursday. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House's World Cup task force, also contacted FIFA. The U.S. government provided additional evidence to FIFA's disciplinary committee.

Trump wrote on Truth Social that FIFA had reversed "a great injustice!"

"I didn't know that in the offices of FIFA the 5th of July was the 1st of April in Europe," Belgium coach Rudi Garcia said through a translator, in an April Fools' Day dig at the governing body.

The Union of European Football Associations said the decision "crossed a red line."

"Either way, it's going to be either very unpopular in Belgium or very unpopular in the U.S. It's a no-win situation for FIFA. Should never have come to this in the first place," Hunt said.

"It's going to be a spicy game tonight," the reporter predicted.

 

215 years after Venezuela's Declaration of Independence: Long live the republic!

By Various

Published 5 July, 2026

Published in Spanish here.

The massive demonstrations of popular solidarity following the earthquakes that shook the country on June 24 have once again shown us that no hardship can destroy the moral and spiritual foundation that defines us as a nation. We have responded to the destructive and deadly seismic energy with the restorative energy of humanity. With the same unyielding spirit that our Liberator Simón Bolívar displayed in the face of the earthquake of March 26, 1812, we will overcome this painful situation, and with the same resolve of yesterday and today, all patriotic forces will fight to regain our independence.

Amid the current tribulation, we do not forget that the cracking of the earth was preceded by the roar of missiles and shrapnel, which also brought destruction, death, and pain. On January 3 of this year — exactly six months ago — Venezuela was attacked militarily by the US armed forces, under orders from its current government, in an act of war that was undeclared, unprovoked, unjustified, disproportionate, and illegal, in open violation of Article 2, Paragraph 4, of the United Nations Charter. This military aggression, which resulted in a regrettable and reprehensible toll of victims, also constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law, as documented in United Nations reports at the time.

Since that day, Venezuela has experienced a systematic escalation of grievances. As a nation with a tradition of fighting for freedom and independence, and of peaceful coexistence and integration with other peoples, they are attempting to impose on us a plan for colonial administration of the state under the threat of new military attacks. This plan takes the form of control over the sale of oil, gold, and other strategic minerals, and — even more gravely — through direct control of the revenues these generate, which are deposited into a budget line item of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which administers them at its discretion.

Added to this is the imposition of foreign investment plans — preceded by forced legislative reforms — that favour the interests of the aggressor country and contravene the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, particularly in the areas of hydrocarbons and mining. Similarly, the US government has arrogated to itself the right to decide on political and institutional processes that fall exclusively within the competence of Venezuelan popular sovereignty and to impose conditions on the foreign policy of peace and integration that we have promoted as a nation.

Furthermore, the illegal presence and operations of agents and troops from the aggressor country within our territory constitute another blatant violation of our Constitution and international law, a situation that has been exacerbated following the earthquakes of June 24: We hereby denounce and express our strongest rejection of any decision leading to the establishment of U.S. military bases or installations on our territory under the pretext of humanitarian assistance, out of basic patriotic dignity and because it is expressly prohibited by our National Constitution.

This entire situation constitutes an extremely serious and unprecedented violation of the 1965 United Nations Declaration on the inadmissibility of intervention in the internal affairs of states and the protection of their independence and sovereignty.

Faced with this ignominious situation that undermines the sovereign rights to which we are entitled as a nation, as a state, and as a republic, those of us who love and honour our homeland are called upon to prevent the normalisation or concealment of this foreign intervention. Therefore, we are compelled to denounce this violation of our sovereign rights before the international community. Historical circumstances call upon us to unite in the struggle to regain our national independence.

A national agreement is urgently needed — one that includes all patriotic political and social organisations and actors — to present us to the world as a united nation and to raise awareness among the peoples, governments, and democratic movements of the United States, regarding the unacceptability of a situation that harms not only Venezuela but also the paradigm of the international community that has been sought to be built since World War II.

We consider the immediate cessation of all coercive unilateral measures against Venezuela to be non-negotiable, and we demand our right to access and manage the national assets and resources illegally administered by the occupying power. Amid the emergency the nation is facing as a result of the June 24 earthquakes, both the meagre humanitarian aid announced by the US government and the decision to partially lift, only for a brief period, some of the “sanctions” imposed on the country, are not only insufficient but also constitute an affront to the entire Venezuelan people and yet another demonstration of the occupying force’s profound insensitivity in the face of a tragedy that has plunged tens of thousands of families into mourning.

Likewise, we consider it appropriate for the institutions of the Venezuelan state to file a formal complaint with the United Nations General Assembly regarding the violation of our national sovereignty and with the United Nations Human Rights Council regarding the violations of international humanitarian law that have been committed, and that a formal complaint be filed with the International Court of Justice seeking the restoration of control over our national revenues and our full political self-determination as a sovereign State in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, in accordance with the Social Pact that we democratically ratified in a constitutional referendum on December 15, 1999.

Preserving national dignity today requires reaching an agreement among all patriotic forces willing to reaffirm their unwavering commitment to the Declaration of Independence issued by our forefathers on July 5, 1811, which they set forth in the following words:

We, therefore, in the name and by the will and authority we hold from the virtuous people of Venezuela, solemnly declare to the world that its united Provinces are, and shall be from this day forward, in fact and in law, free, sovereign, and independent States, and that they are absolved from all submission and dependence on the Crown of Spain or on those who are or may be called its agents or representatives, and that, as such a free and independent State, it has full power to adopt the form of government that is in accordance with the general will of its peoples, to declare war, to make peace, to form alliances, to conclude treaties of commerce, boundaries, and navigation, and to perform and execute all other acts that free and independent nations perform and execute… 

Despite our protests, our moderation, our generosity, and the inviolability of our principles… we are blockaded, we are harassed, agents are sent to incite us to revolt against one another, and attempts are made to discredit us among the nations… in order to oppress us… Without giving the slightest consideration to our reasons, without presenting them to the impartial judgment of the world, and with no judges other than our enemies, we are condemned to a painful isolation from our brothers; and to add contempt to slander, representatives are appointed against our express will, so that in their courts they may arbitrarily dispose of our interests under the influence and coercion of our enemies.

People of Venezuela: stability, peace, and the very possibility of building a just society on Venezuelan soil today depend on the restoration of the full exercise of our sovereignty.

People of Venezuela: the peoples of the world must know that we will never renounce our status as a republic to merge with any other state, nor will we accept being administered by those who are currently oppressing us.

Now that we have overcome these initial moments of anguish, mourning, rescue efforts, and providing primary care to the victims of the earthquakes, the patriotic people must promote unified initiatives of civic and democratic struggle — within the framework of political diversity — to recover our independence and, with it, the full legal effectiveness of the Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

We proclaim, with our heads held high and with the voice of the liberating people, that we will exercise our inalienable right to remain a nation free from all domination, and we call for the broadest international solidarity with our struggle.

People of Venezuela: today more than ever, Bolívar’s words before the Patriotic Society on July 3, 1811, compel us:

…what we want is for that union to be effective and to inspire us in the glorious undertaking of our freedom; to unite merely to rest, to sleep in the arms of apathy — yesterday it was a shortcoming, today it is a betrayal… Let us lay, without fear, the cornerstone of South American freedom; to waver is to lose ourselves.

People of Venezuela: let us fight without hesitation for the restoration of our sovereignty and our independence!

Long live Venezuela! Long live the Republic!

In Caracas, July 3, 2026

1. Reinaldo Iturriza López
2. Carlos Ojeda Falcón
3. Jorge Giordani
4. Juan Contreras
5. Ignacio Ramírez
6. Carlos Mendoza Pottellá
7. Elías Jaua Milano
8. Leonardo Bracamonte
9. Óscar Figuera
10. Luis Bonilla Molina
11. Eduardo Sánchez
12. Yul Jabour
13. Aurora Morales
14. Michel Mujica Ricardo
15. Óscar Feo
16. Gerardo Rojas
17. José Félix Varela
18. María Elena Lovera
19. Pedro Eusse
20. Amílcar Figueroa
21. Bruno Zanardo
22. Juan Carlos Dugarte
23. Christian Medina Macero
24. Braulio Álvarez
25. Alexis Ramírez
26. María Alejandra Castillo
27. Julio Millán
28. Manuel Villalba
29. Enrique Maestre
30. Gaudy María García García
31. Manuel Azuaje Reverón
32. Héctor Navarro
33. Gustavo Márquez
34. Juan Ramón Guzmán
35. Nidia Cárdenas
36. Enrique Vila
37. Lorenzo Angiolillo
38. Eleazar Mujica
39. Humberto Rojas
40. Luis Marín
41. Sergio Rodríguez Adam
42. Henry Arrollo Clemente
43. Ramón Yánez
44. Diógenes Andrade
45. Thaís Rodríguez Gómez
46. Miguel Mora
47. Carlos Carles
48. Heddy Ramírez
49. Juan Carlos Rodríguez
50. Carlos Hernández
51. Vladimira Moreno
52. Carlos Lazo García