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President Donald Trump has weighed in on the Folarin Balogun red card controversy at the World Cup, calling on FIFA President Gianni Infantino to seek a review of the controversial decision in the round of 16 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, a source confirmed to PK Press Club.
It’s unclear exactly what Trump said to Infantino, whom the 45th and 47th presidents called a “great sports leader” and friend.
The USMNT forward, who has three goals in this World Cup, including one before his red card in the round of 16, was cleared to play in a stunning turn of events.
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President Donald Trump receives the FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 5, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Émilee Chinn/FIFA via Getty Images)
The Athletic, which first reported Balogun’s playing status on Sunday, noted that part of FIFA’s disciplinary code states that “the judicial body may decide to totally or partially suspend the application of a disciplinary measure.”
“If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another offense of similar nature and seriousness during the probationary period, the suspension will be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction executed without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new offense,” adds the regulation.
FIFA issues final decision on controversial red card suspension of American soccer star Folarin Balogun
FIFA confirmed that Balogun’s suspension was for a one-year probationary period.
“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” US Soccer said. “All our attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our incredible fans.”
Folarin Balogun scored two goals in his first World Cup match for the United States. (Getty Images)
For its part, Belgium, which narrowly escaped Senegal in the round of 16, said it was “surprised” by FIFA’s decision to grant Balogun the right to play on Monday evening. The Royal Belgian Football Federation said it would “study all potential options” to reverse the decision regarding Balogun.
Team USA manager Mauricio Pochettino and his team were considering how to replace Balogun at the top of their lineup, but now everything has changed, allowing them to deplete their regular starting XI against a formidable Belgian team.
While the USMNT hopes to beat Belgium and other opponents, Trump and Infantino will be together at New York/New Jersey Stadium on July 19 for the World Cup final. Just like he did last year during the FIFA Club World Cup final, Trump will present the World Cup trophy to the captain of the winning team on the field, as Infantino said on “Fox & Friends.”
President Donald Trump, Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, and Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, pose for a selfie with Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, during the official drawing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, December 5, 2025. (Hector Vivas/FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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If the USMNT beats Belgium on Monday night, they will become just the second team in the country’s history to reach the quarterfinals. They would also face the winners of Portugal and Spain if they manage to take care of Belgium first.
