Donald Trump phones Gianni Infantino after USA star's red card suspension; FIFA stuns World Cup with historic U-turn

Donald Trump phones Gianni Infantino after USA star's red card suspension; FIFA stuns World Cup with historic U-turn

FIFA has made one of the most controversial disciplinary decisions in modern World Cup history by overturning the suspension of United States striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to feature in the Americans' Round of 16 clash against Belgium.

The decision followed reports that US President Donald Trump personally contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of Balogun's automatic one-match ban after his dismissal against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Why was Balogun suspended?

Balogun, who has emerged as one of the United States' standout performers with three goals at the tournament, was shown a straight red card during the USA's 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The striker was sent off after catching defender Tarik Muharemović on the ankle with what many observers described as an awkward rather than malicious challenge. Under FIFA regulations, a straight red card automatically carries a one-match suspension, meaning Balogun was initially ruled out of the knockout match against Belgium.

Trump's reported intervention

According to multiple reports, Trump contacted Infantino shortly after the match and urged FIFA to review the incident. Sources familiar with the conversation said the US president questioned whether the punishment accurately reflected the challenge, although FIFA has maintained that the final ruling was made independently by its disciplinary committee.

Following FIFA's decision, Trump welcomed the outcome on social media, describing it as the correction of a "great injustice."

FIFA cites disciplinary rules

In announcing the reversal, FIFA said Balogun's suspension had been suspended for a one-year probationary period under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. As a result, the striker is immediately eligible to play against Belgium, although any similar offence during the probation period could reactivate the sanction.

The move is widely regarded as unprecedented during a World Cup knockout stage. Reports noted it is the first time since 1962 that a World Cup player has avoided serving an automatic suspension following a red card.

Belgium reacts with anger

The decision has prompted a furious response from the Royal Belgian Football Association, which questioned both the timing and fairness of FIFA's ruling.

Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia mocked the announcement, comparing it to an April Fool's joke, while the Belgian federation confirmed it is exploring legal options to protect what it described as the principles of fair play and sporting integrity.

Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also admitted surprise at the decision, noting that the late change altered preparations for the knockout fixture.

US camp welcomes the verdict

Inside the United States camp, the ruling was met with relief.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino said the original punishment had been excessive for what he believed was an accidental challenge, while captain Christian Pulisic argued that more dangerous tackles during the tournament had escaped similar punishment.

Balogun's availability is viewed as a major boost for the co-host nation as it bids to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.

A decision that could shape future tournaments

While FIFA insists its disciplinary committee acted independently, the timing of the reversal has fuelled widespread debate over political influence in football governance.

The incident has become one of the defining controversies of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with critics arguing that the governing body has set a difficult precedent by overturning an automatic suspension after direct interest from a political leader. Supporters, meanwhile, contend that correcting an apparent refereeing error ultimately serves the interests of fairness.

Regardless of the differing opinions, Balogun will now be available when the United States takes on Belgium in one of the tournament's most anticipated Round of 16 encounters.