Trump reportedly asked FIFA to review Balogun suspension

7/5/2026

Folarin Balogun suspension review lifts World Cup ban before Belgium clash See why FIFA’s sudden reversal could change the U.S. knockout path

President Donald Trump reportedly contacted FIFA to ask for a review of Folarin Balogun’s World Cup suspension before the governing body reversed the ban on Sunday. The decision allows the U.S. striker to play against Belgium in Monday’s Round of 16 match in Seattle. Balogun had received a red card in the United States’ win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, which normally triggers an automatic onegame suspension. FIFA said it would suspend the automatic match ban for a oneyear probationary period, prompting criticism from Belgium’s football association, which said it was surprised by the change and was reviewing its options. Trump later praised FIFA’s decision on Truth Social.