Trump's calls to FIFA president overturn US striker's World Cup ban ahead of Belgium clash

The red card and the call

Folarin Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute of the USA's 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1 for a tackle on Tarik Muharemovic. The automatic one-match suspension would have ruled him out of the round of 16 against Belgium. That evening, President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask that the ban be reviewed. The Guardian later reported that Trump made three calls, not one.

The appeal and White House involvement

The US Soccer Federation, led by CEO JT Batson and COO Dan Helfrich, filed an appeal arguing that VAR had been applied incorrectly. White House lawyers were brought in, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup task force, assembled a legal team. The federation threatened to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

FIFA's decision

On July 5, FIFA announced that the one-match ban would be suspended for a one-year probationary period under Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code. If Balogun commits a similar offence within 12 months, the suspension will be activated on top of any new sanction. The decision is the first time since 1962 that FIFA has allowed a player to compete while under suspension. Trump posted on Truth Social:

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

Belgian outrage

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it was "surprised" and that the decision contradicts World Cup regulations, which were explicitly confirmed to all teams in May. The RBFA is considering all options, including an appeal to CAS. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia reacted sharply:

I didn't know that at the World Cup, July 5th is now April Fools' Day.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois called the move a "surprise" but said the team remains focused on the match.

US team reaction

US captain Christian Pulisic said the squad learned of the decision on the bus to training on Sunday.

Just a big smile on his face and on all of ours. The foul wasn't what it looked like, it was harsh.

Balogun, the team's top scorer, is now available for the knockout tie.

A pattern of favour?

The incident has drawn comparisons to FIFA's handling of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was allowed to play at the start of this World Cup despite a pre-tournament red card that should have ruled him out of the first two games. Infantino has cultivated a close relationship with Trump, awarding him the FIFA Peace Prize last year.

1. Jul 1, 2026Balogun sent off in 64th minute vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
2. Evening, July 1Trump calls Infantino to request review of the red card
3. July 1–5US federation appeals, White House lawyers assist
4. Jul 5, 2026FIFA announces one-year suspension of the ban
5. Jul 6, 05:00 PMUSA vs Belgium round of 16; Balogun eligible to play