Trump intervenes as FIFA suspends Balogun's red card for World Cup match
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 5, 2026, 8:16 PM
Last updated Jul 5, 2026
President Donald Trump reportedly contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino regarding Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension after a red card in the World Cup Round of 32. On July 5, FIFA announced that Balogun would be eligible to play in the Round of 16 against Belgium. The decision followed Trump's call asking FIFA to review the suspension. Trump expressed gratitude towards FIFA via social media after the announcement. The upcoming match is scheduled for July 6.
- •FIFA suspended Balogun's one-match ban on July 5.
- •Trump pushed for the review of Balogun's suspension.
- •Balogun will be able to play against Belgium on July 6.
- •Trump thanked FIFA on social media after the decision.
- 9:14 PMYahoo Sports — Trump lobbied FIFA president to review Folarin Balogun's suspension
- 9:14 PMYahoo Sports — Donald Trump ‘called Gianni Infantino’ asking for Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban to be reviewed
- 9:06 PMYahoo Sports — Trump Personally Called FIFA Boss Gianni Infantino to Appeal on Behalf of US Soccer Star: Report
- 8:39 PMYahoo Sports — Yes, Trump called Infantino to reverse Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension
- 8:16 PMYahoo Sports — World Cup 2026: President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA's Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun's red card suspension
"Trump called FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to review the suspension of US soccer star Folarin Balogun — now eligible to play after a shocking ruling, per the NYT.
"President Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to urge a review of Folarin Balogun's red card before the US star's suspension was reversed.
"The Belgian FA reacted with ‘astonishment’ at the news that USA will have their banned star striker for the last-16 tie
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 5, 2026, 9:14 PMTrump lobbied FIFA president to review Folarin Balogun's suspension
President Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to urge a review of Folarin Balogun's red card before the US star's suspension was reversed.
- Yahoo SportsJul 5, 2026, 9:14 PMDonald Trump ‘called Gianni Infantino’ asking for Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban to be reviewed
The Belgian FA reacted with ‘astonishment’ at the news that USA will have their banned star striker for the last-16 tie
- Yahoo SportsJul 5, 2026, 9:06 PMTrump Personally Called FIFA Boss Gianni Infantino to Appeal on Behalf of US Soccer Star: Report
Trump called FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to review the suspension of US soccer star Folarin Balogun — now eligible to play after a shocking ruling, per the NYT.
- Yahoo SportsJul 5, 2026, 8:39 PMYes, Trump called Infantino to reverse Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension
The optics of the Folarin Balogun red card reversal look terrible.
- Yahoo SportsJul 5, 2026, 8:16 PMWorld Cup 2026: President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA's Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun's red card suspension
Balogun's one-match ban was suspended on Sunday afternoon.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
Soccer•Jul 5, 2026, 9:28 PMShelter-in-place order at Azteca before Mexico-England amid storm- Champions League•Jul 5, 2026, 9:20 PMRayan: Man United interest sparks clear Bournemouth response
EPL•Jul 5, 2026, 9:15 PMReal Madrid plot £188m Olise deal - Monday's gossip- EPL•Jul 5, 2026, 9:15 PMChelsea Are Among The Clubs Hoping To Land This Ligue 1 Midfielder: Should Alonso Bring Him On Board?
- EPL•Jul 5, 2026, 9:12 PMLatest penalty miss brings up bad omens for Brazil 👻
- FIFA World Cup•Jul 5, 2026, 9:05 PMOliver Whatmuff recalled by Man City just days after Stockport County loan confirmed
