FIFA suspends Balogun's red-card ban after reported White House call; Trump thanks federation

The red card incident

Folarin Balogun, the 25-year-old US striker, was sent off in the 61st minute of the World Cup last-32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on 1 July. Referee Raphael Claus initially did not dismiss him, but after a VAR review, the challenge on Tarik Muharemovic was deemed serious foul play. The direct red card triggered an automatic one-match suspension under FIFA rules, which would have ruled Balogun out of the round of 16.

FIFA's decision and White House involvement

On Sunday, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee announced that the execution of the suspension was suspended for a one-year probationary period under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The decision means Balogun is eligible to play against Belgium on Monday in Seattle. Journalist Ben Jacobs of talkSPORT reported that the White House made a direct call to FIFA president Gianni Infantino requesting a review of the card. FIFA, however, stated that the decision was made by an independent disciplinary panel and that external influence could not have affected it.

1. Jul 1, 2026Balogun receives a direct red card after VAR review for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic in the World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
2. Jul 5, 2026FIFA Disciplinary Committee suspends the one-match ban for a one-year probation period under Article 27, making Balogun eligible for the next match.
3. Jul 6, 2026USA faces Belgium in the World Cup round of 16 at Lumen Field in Seattle.

Political reactions

President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social shortly after the announcement:

Thank you FIFA for doing the right thing and reversing a great injustice!

The White House's official X account shared the message with the caption 'USA! USA! USA!'. Earlier, Secretary of State Marco Rubio had said the US team was

screwed

by the referee and called for an appeal mechanism. The red card had sparked outrage among American commentators and politicians, with some alleging the tournament was being rigged against the hosts.

Balogun's World Cup campaign

Balogun, who plays for AS Monaco, has scored three goals in three appearances at this World Cup, finding the net in every match he has played. He was rested for the group game against Turkey but otherwise started all of the co-hosts' fixtures. His eligibility for the US team rests on birthright citizenship, as he was born in New York to Nigerian immigrant parents and raised in the United Kingdom. Trump previously attempted to restrict birthright citizenship, but the Supreme Court ruled his executive order unconstitutional.

Precedent and federation response

The Athletic noted a similar case involving Cristiano Ronaldo, who had a three-match ban partially suspended on probation at the start of the tournament. The US Soccer Federation issued a statement accepting the decision:

We accept the Disciplinary Committee's decision and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow. Our full focus is on the round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our incredible fans.