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FIFA reverses Balogun's red card ahead of US-Belgium match

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 6, 2026, 7:09 AM

Last updated Jul 6, 2026

FIFA reverses Balogun's red card ahead of US-Belgium match

Summary

FIFA reversed the red card given to US striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium in the World Cup's last-16 clash. Balogun was initially suspended after an incident in the round-of-32 match against Bosnia. The decision follows a phone call from Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Belgium's team and political figures have expressed outrage, claiming fairness in competition is jeopardized. The US and Belgium are set to face off on July 7 at 2 AM CET.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Balogun was red carded for stepping on an opponent's foot.
•Trump's intervention sparked a backlash from Belgian officials.
•Belgium's coach stated it contradicts competition rules.
•The US vs Belgium match is scheduled for July 7.
•Reactions include calls for the match to be boycotted.

Latest Updates

7:09 AMYahoo Sports — 'The Trump Card': Reactions and viral memes to FIFA’s controversial US red card reversal

What they're saying

"
If you get a red card at the World Cup, you miss the next game... Unless Donald Trump steps in. The world has reacted to the controversial move by FIFA to lift the ban given to the US team's star striker, following a call by Trump to Gianni Infantino.View on euronews
— Yahoo Sports

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