FIFA suspended the automatic one-match red-card ban for United States striker Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup, permitting him to play against Belgium in the round of 16. The decision followed an intervention by US President Donald Trump, who personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the ban [1, 2, 3].

Balogun, 25, received the red card in the group stage match against Bosnia-Herzegovina after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review showed he planted his boot into an opponent's ankle [2, 4]. At the time, Balogun was the leading scorer for the US with three goals in the tournament [1, 2, 5].

FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the enforcement of Balogun’s ban for a probationary period of one year. The suspension will only be activated if Balogun commits a similar offense during that time [2, 3]. FIFA President Infantino emphasized that the disciplinary committee acted independently and he had no role in the decision to suspend the ban [2, 6].

The move contradicted World Cup tournament rules that a red card results in an automatic one-match suspension [7, 3]. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and other football figures criticized the suspension for undermining sporting integrity [8, 9]. Norway’s coach Stale Solbakken called it a “bad, bad, bad, bad, bad decision that will hurt the World Cup” and expressed sympathy for the US team caught in the controversy [10].

Belgian officials and fans strongly condemned FIFA’s ruling, with Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot saying if Trump’s phone call influenced the outcome, it would flout fundamental football rules and ethics [11]. UEFA issued a harsh statement condemning FIFA’s choice as crossing a red line that threatens competition credibility [3]. Human rights group FairSquare urged an investigation into whether Trump’s involvement breached FIFA’s political neutrality rules and risked damaging Infantino’s leadership [6].

FIFA also backed referee Raphael Claus, who issued the card to Balogun, affirming his professionalism after criticism linked to Trump’s intervention [4].

The United States lost 4-1 to Belgium in the round of 16. US coach Mauricio Pochettino said the Balogun issue was no excuse for the defeat and pledged the team would move on [5, 12].

The suspension of Balogun’s ban will remain on probation until July 2027, pending any further disciplinary infractions.