Trump Pressures FIFA — Balogun's World Cup Suspension Reversed
By John Nada·Jul 6, 2026·5 min read
Trump's intervention led FIFA to reverse Balogun's suspension, allowing him to play against Belgium. The decision raises questions on FIFA's discipline processes.
FIFA's decision to reverse Folarin Balogun's suspension for a World Cup match has sparked controversy and political intrigue.
According to CNBC Business, President Donald Trump directly intervened by calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino, asking him to review the suspension of Balogun, the U.S. Men's National Team striker. Balogun received a red card in the U.S.'s 2-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering an automatic one-game suspension.
But, in an unexpected twist, FIFA announced on Sunday that Balogun's ban was lifted, allowing him to play in the next match against Belgium. This marks the first time in over 60 years that FIFA has reversed such a decision mid-tournament, citing Article 27 of its disciplinary code.
Reports from MS NOW state that Trump's administration provided FIFA with additional evidence, arguing that referees made the red card decision based on a slow-motion replay. This evidence supposedly played a crucial role in the Disciplinary Committee's decision to suspend the suspension for a probationary period of one year.
The Belgian Royal Football Association isn't taking the decision lightly. They've expressed their astonishment and are investigating potential options, believing FIFA's volte-face goes against its written rules.
Trump's involvement in the World Cup extends beyond this incident. As the U.S., Mexico, and Canada co-host the tournament, the former president has maintained a visible presence, even receiving complimentary tickets valued at $15,000 to a prior FIFA event. This relationship with Infantino also saw him awarded FIFA's inaugural peace prize last year.
As the U.S. prepares to face Belgium, the outcome holds more than just sporting significance. Balogun has been pivotal, scoring three goals in as many games. And while the spotlight shines on the striker, Trump's behind-the-scenes maneuvers continue to stir the pot on and off the field.
With this reversal, FIFA's disciplinary processes and its relationship with political figures are under scrutiny. How this precedent might affect future decisions and the organization's integrity remains a looming question.
United States midfielder Christian Pulisic celebrated with teammate Folarin Balogun after a goal against Paraguay in a FIFA World Cup 2026 match at Los Angeles Stadium. This celebration was indicative of Balogun's impact on the field, showcasing his importance to the team.
Trump cheered FIFA's decision, which allows the 25-year-old Balogun to play against Belgium in Monday's match in Seattle. "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social account.
On Wednesday, Balogun received a controversial red card for a foul, causing the top American goal scorer to be sent off the field during his squad's 2-0 victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina. That red card resulted in an immediate one-game suspension without appeal, as is normal.
Netflix Sees Ad-Supported Tier Soar to 250M Users — Eyes $9B Target
Netflix's ad-supported tier reaches 250M users, doubling revenue goals.
FIFA, in a statement on Sunday, said that "the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year." FIFA cited Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which says, "The judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure."
The New York Times reported that Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Wednesday and asked him to review Balogun's suspension, citing three people familiar with the conversation. Sports Broadcaster Ben Jacobs first reported that the White House called Infantino for that purpose.
Citing a U.S. official, MS NOW reported that during the call, Trump wanted to better understand why Balogun was hit with a red card and why that led to his suspension. The official said that the "U.S. government" provided "additional evidence" directed to FIFA, and that the association's Disciplinary Committee used that information in the process that led to a Balogun's suspension being reversed.
The government focused on referees reviewing a slow-motion replay before the red card was issued, according to the officials. "Ultimately the correct and proper outcome was achieved," the official told MS NOW.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNBC.
The Belgian Royal Football Association, in a statement, said that it was "astonished" by FIFA's about-face on Balogun's suspension and argued it flouts FIFA's written rules. "The RBFA is investigating all potential options," the association said.
Trump has been heavily involved in the tournament, which the U.S. is co-hosting with Mexico and Canada. He has enjoyed a close relationship with Infantino, the president of FIFA, which awarded Trump its inaugural peace prize last year, after the president ferociously pursued the Nobel Peace Prize and did not win it.
The U.S. team will face Belgium in Seattle on Monday in a Round of 16 match at 8 p.m. ET. The match's winner will punch their ticket to play either Portugal or Spain in the quarterfinal. Balogun, who has scored three goals over the three games he has appeared in at this World Cup, is a U.S. citizen by birth who grew up in the United Kingdom.
Trump last week lost a case at the Supreme Court challenging birthright citizenship, with a majority of justices ruling that individuals born in the U.S. are U.S. citizens. Trump last year issued an executive order that sought to restrict birthright citizenship sharply.