President Donald Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to appeal the red card issued to US striker Folarin Balogun during the team's win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to reports confirmed to The Associated Press. The White House lobbying effort, described by The Guardian as a direct intervention, resulted in FIFA's stunning announcement on Sunday that Balogun's one-game suspension had been lifted, making him eligible for Monday's last-16 clash against Belgium in Seattle.
The reversal gives the co-host USMNT a significant on-field boost as they seek a quarterfinal berth for the first time since 2002. Balogun, who has scored three goals in three starts this tournament, was originally sidelined after a controversial red card in the 2-0 victory over Bosnia. Trump expressed gratitude on Truth Social, thanking FIFA for reversing what he called a "great injustice."
The decision sparked immediate backlash from Belgian officials. Coach Rudi Garcia likened the move to an April Fools' Day joke, while the Belgian FA stated it would investigate "all potential options" in response to what it called an astonishing intervention. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois appeared to mask visible frustration during a press conference at Seattle Stadium as the ruling was read aloud.
Public reaction was swift and divided. US fans celebrated the news online, with Breitbart reporting scenes of jubilation and chants of "Bring on, Belgium!" from supporters. However, critics questioned the propriety of presidential involvement in an international sporting body's disciplinary process, with some European commentators voicing concern over the precedent set by the White House's direct appeal to FIFA leadership.
Analysts note that while FIFA maintains discretionary authority over suspensions, such high-level political intervention in a single-player disciplinary matter is rare. Belgium's Garcia framed the episode as an existential challenge to the sport's integrity, vowing to "defend football" against what he characterized as an irregular process.