Folarin Balogun's ban lifted ahead of World Cup match against Belgium
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 6, 2026, 12:14 AM
Last updated Jul 6, 2026
Folarin Balogun will be available to play for the United States in their World Cup last-16 match against Belgium. The decision to suspend his ban was influenced by intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump, who reached out to FIFA for the change. This marks a notable instance of political influence on sports governance during the tournament.
- •Balogun's suspension was lifted just before the match against Belgium.
- •Trump publicly thanked FIFA for the decision on social media.
- •The U.S. has advanced to the last 16 in the World Cup.
- 12:14 AMThe Guardian Sport — Explained: Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red-card reversal, Trump’s phone calls and Fifa’s rationale
"The surprise move deeming the US striker eligible to play came after the American president reached out to the governing body to appeal for the change Donald Trump has been conspicuous by his absence so far at the World Cup, but unusually he may have been making his presence felt behind the scenes with some quiet diplomacy. In addition to failing to attend a game, despite the USA’s impressive progress to the last 16, Trump had not mentioned the tournament on social media since offering some bland recognition of record attendance figures on 28 June. All that changed on Sunday when he took to Truth Social to thank Fifa for its highly unusual decision to suspend striker Folarin Balogun’s ban from Monday’s last-16 tie against Belgium. Continue reading...
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