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Donald Trump intervenes to allow Balogun to play against Belgium

Sky Sports Football • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 6, 2026, 9:42 AM

Last updated Jul 6, 2026

Donald Trump intervenes to allow Balogun to play against Belgium

Summary

FIFA has suspended Folarin Balogun's one-game ban, permitting him to participate in the USA's World Cup last-16 match against Belgium on Tuesday. The move follows intervention from USA President Donald Trump, who requested that FIFA review the ban stemming from Balogun's red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina. UEFA has criticized FIFA's decision as a breach of integrity, stating it has "crossed a red line". The Belgian FA expressed astonishment and is weighing further action, potentially appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The match is set to begin at 1am UK time.

Source Links

Sky Sports Football

By the Numbers

•Balogun's ban was issued after a red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina
•Trump communicated with FIFA president Infantino
•UEFA condemned FIFA's actions as harmful to the game's integrity
•Belgian FA plans to consider appealing the decision
•Match between USA and Belgium scheduled for 1am UK time on Tuesday

What they're saying

"
UEFA says FIFA has "crossed a red line" and has put the "integrity of the game at stake" in allowing USA striker Folarin Balogun to play in their World Cup tie against Belgium on Tuesday.
— Sky Sports Football

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