Folarin Balogun Cleared After Trump Call as FIFA Suspends Card Ban at World Cup 2026

FIFA Allows Balogun to Face Belgium

United States striker Folarin Balogun will play against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16. FIFA suspended the enforcement of his one-match ban after his recent red card.

Reuters reported that the decision came after a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. A source familiar with the conversation said Trump asked FIFA to review Balogun’s suspension.

FIFA did not cancel the red card. However, the organization decided not to enforce the suspension immediately.

Why FIFA Changed the Decision

FIFA based its decision on Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

The organization said Balogun will serve a one-year probation period instead of missing the next match. If he commits a similar offense during that time, FIFA will activate the suspended punishment. Any new offense could also bring additional disciplinary action.

FIFA’s judicial bodies can suspend all or part of a disciplinary sanction under certain conditions.

Reuters asked FIFA to comment on the reported phone call. FIFA has not responded publicly.

Donald Trump Welcomes the Ruling

Donald Trump praised FIFA’s decision on Truth Social. He thanked the organization for correcting what he described as a major injustice.

The White House also celebrated the news on X. Its message simply read, “USA-USA-USA.”

The ruling keeps one of the United States’ top attackers available for the knockout stage.

Why Did Balogun Receive a Red Card?

Balogun scored his third goal of the tournament during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia.

Later in the match, he stepped on the ankle of Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic. The referee reviewed the incident with VAR before showing a straight red card.

U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino disagreed with the decision. He argued that the challenge did not deserve a dismissal.

Belgium Questions FIFA’s Decision

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) expressed surprise after FIFA cleared Balogun to play.

The federation pointed to Article 66.4 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. That rule states that a player who receives a red card must miss the team’s next match.

Belgian officials believe FIFA applied the rules inconsistently. They are now reviewing every available legal option before the Round of 16 match.

Similar Cases in World Cup History

This is not the first time FIFA has suspended the enforcement of a disciplinary sanction.

Cristiano Ronaldo previously played in World Cup opening matches after FIFA suspended a three-match ban from the previous year.

Another famous example came at the 1962 FIFA World Cup. Brazil’s Garrincha received a red card in the semifinal. Officials later accepted his appeal and allowed him to play in the final.

Brazil defeated Czechoslovakia 3-1 and won the World Cup title.

What This Means for the United States

Balogun’s return gives the United States a major boost before facing Belgium.

The red card remains on his record. However, FIFA’s decision allows him to continue playing during the tournament.

The ruling has also sparked debate among football fans, national associations, and legal experts. Many people now question how FIFA applies its disciplinary rules during the World Cup.

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