A FIRST; REVERSAL OF A RED CARD
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."
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
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."
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
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)
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
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
US team’s Folarin Balogun free to play after Trump lobbies FIFA to remove ban
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)
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."
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
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
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.
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
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."
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
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
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
“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.”
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
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.
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.
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