Trump called Infantino before FIFA suspended Balogun's World Cup ban to free him for Belgium

Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to lobby for a review of Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban before the governing body suspended the sanction, allowing the USA striker to play against Belgium in the World Cup last 16, the New York Times has reported.

Balogun was sent off during the United States’ last-32 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina after a VAR review determined he had planted his boot into the ankle of defender Tarik Muharemovic. On Sunday, FIFA’s disciplinary committee announced it was applying Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code to suspend the red card, meaning Balogun will only serve the ban if he commits a similar offence within the next 12 months.

Trump publicly celebrated the outcome on his Truth Social platform, writing: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” The White House also marked Balogun’s reinstatement with a post on X reading: “USA-USA-USA.”

When The Independent asked FIFA about Trump’s involvement, a spokesperson pointed to the disciplinary code, which grants the judicial body discretion to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a sanction — without rescinding the red card itself.

The Belgian FA responded with sharp criticism, saying it was “astonished” by the decision and would be “investigating all potential options.” The reaction underlines the diplomatic sensitivity of a ruling that clears the USA’s top striker for a knockout tie on home soil.

US head coach Mauricio Pochettino had argued the original dismissal was never a sending-off offence. US Soccer said it was “pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete,” while Balogun’s teammates revealed they learned of the reversal via social media on their way to training.

Balogun, 25, had scored three goals in the group stage, including one in the 2-0 victory over Bosnia. The USA face Belgium in Seattle on Monday.