President Donald Trump has disclosed that he asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card and one-game suspension handed to USA star striker Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup. The decision by FIFA to suspend Balogun's ban has sparked widespread controversy, with questions raised about the integrity of the tournament.
Balogun's eligibility to play in the Round of 16 match against Belgium has become a focal point of debate. Speaking at the Oval Office on Monday, July 6, 2026, Trump clarified that his request was for a review, not for the decision to be reversed. 'All I did was ask for a review. I didn't say, 'You have to do this,'' Trump told reporters, as reported by CNN News.
Trump Questions Referee's Integrity
Trump added that he did not believe the incident was a foul, describing it as 'two guys running full speed that happened to crash into each other,' according to BBC News. The president insisted that Balogun did nothing wrong. 'I didn't tell him what to do; I can't tell him what to do,' Trump said, noting that an independent committee 'made the right decision.'
Trump also called the referee's integrity into question, saying the official was 'a little bit suspect' and encouraged reporters to 'check his past.' These comments mark the first detailed account from Trump regarding his conversation with Infantino, with whom he has a close relationship.
FIFA Suspends Balogun's Ban
Earlier, Trump had praised FIFA for suspending Balogun's red card ban ahead of the crucial match against Belgium. FIFA allowed Balogun to play after suspending the red card from the Round of 32 win against Bosnia. Public reactions have been mixed, with some supporting the decision and others questioning its impact on the host nation's chances.
Speaking about his discussion with Trump, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated: 'During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA's independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies. That is how FIFA's system works, and it is a principle that I will always uphold.'
Social Media Calls for Trump's Intervention
Meanwhile, USMNT supporters flooded social media with calls for President Trump to help reverse Balogun's suspension. The American striker was set to miss the Round of 16 clash with Belgium after receiving a straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA regulations left the United States with virtually no route to overturn the controversial decision, but Trump's intervention has now altered the situation.
