World Cup 2026: Trump confirms he asked FIFA president to review Balogun's red card

US President Donald Trump on Monday said he had asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the decision to send off US striker Folarin Balogun with a red card, describing the ruling as “atrocious,” but denied that he had demanded it be overturned. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said, “I asked for a review of the decision because I did not consider it a foul. All I asked for was a review of the decision; I never said you must do it.” He added, “It wasn’t even a foul. They were running at full speed and collided with each other.”

The US president also criticized the Brazilian referee, Rafael Claus, who made the decision, describing him as “somewhat suspicious if his record is examined.”

Balogun was scheduled to miss the Round of 16 match against Belgium today after receiving a straight red card following a review by the Video Assistant Referee, after a Bosnian defender stepped on his foot in the Round of 32 match, which the United States won 2-0.

Under FIFA regulations, a straight red card automatically results in a one-match suspension, and the player’s team cannot appeal the decision.

However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the suspension had been suspended for a year following a personal call from Trump.

The US president said on Monday, “We will play with a full squad, and Belgium will play with a full squad, and you know what? If they beat us, they will have every right to be proud.”

The decision to allow Balogun to participate sparked strong outrage among Belgian football officials, who issued a statement expressing their “astonishment” at the move, which they said “directly contradicts” FIFA regulations.

Balogun plays a key role for the US national team, having scored three goals, and his absence against Belgium would have dealt a significant blow to the team in Seattle.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee had made the decision to suspend the sanction.