Trump Thanks FIFA: Balogun Cleared to Face Belgium After Red-Card Suspension Suspended

Public Lokpal
July 06, 2026

SEATTLE: US President Donald Trump publicly thanked FIFA on Sunday after the governing body bypassed tournament precedent to suspend a red-card ban for American forward Folarin Balogun. The extraordinary U-turn clears the co-hosts' star striker to play in Monday’s blockbuster World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle.

Balogun faced an automatic one-match ban following a straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Invoking Article 27 of its disciplinary code, FIFA put the penalty on hold for a one-year probationary period. Trump praised the decision on Truth Social, thanking FIFA for "reversing a great injustice," amid furious backlash from Belgian football officials.