One controversial game has snowballed into one of the biggest talking points at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Days later Folarin Balogun appeared to miss the USA’s Round of 16 match against Belgium, FIFA surprised fans by overturning his automatic ban. The dramatic change has sparked debates about justice, politics and whether outside influence played a role after reports emerged that US President Donald Trump had contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino. So what exactly happened?
Why was Folarin Balogun sent out with a red card?
The controversy began during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32. After opening the scoring, Balogun was shown a straight red card Evaluation of VAR with a challenge to defender Tarik Muharemović. Referee Raphael Claus initially allowed the game to continue and did not even give a foul shot. However, after being advised to investigate the incident, he upgraded the decision to an outright dismissal for foul play.
Slow-motion replays showed Balogun’s foot landing on Muharemović’s high ankle, prompting FIFA to impose a one-match suspension in the tournament. The decision sparked immediate criticism, with many arguing that the communication appeared accidental rather than malicious.
This is perhaps the biggest scandal in the history of the World Cup.
USA striker Folarin Balogun committed this outrageous foul against Bosnia and was shown a straight red card… but this is where it gets crazy.
The White House contacted FIFA publicly and the organizers of the tournament, asking… pic.twitter.com/i236kroQtl
– Appie Culé (@appiecule) July 5, 2026
Why couldn’t that decision be appealed normally?
Under FIFA’s disciplinary rules, straight red cards cannot be appealed once they have been confirmed. It initially seemed to end any hope of Balogun colluding against him Belgiumespecially after FIFA and the United States indicated that the suspension was automatic but everything changed.
How did FIFA cancel the penalty?
On Sunday, FIFA announced that Balogun will be eligible to face Belgium anyway. Instead of canceling the red card itself, FIFA it relied on Article 27 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, which allows its judicial body to “suspend in whole or in part the execution of a disciplinary action.” In reality, the dismissal remains on Balogun’s disciplinary record, but the one-match suspension is suspended for a year’s probation.
FIFA added that if Balogun commits “another infringement of a similar nature and gravity” during that period, the suspended penalty will automatically take effect alongside any new penalty.
It is said that Donald Trump played what role?
According to reports from The Guardian and The New York Post, Donald Trump he was very involved behind the scenes after the dismissal of Balogun. Sources told The Guardian that the president made three calls to FIFA starting Wednesday, asking officials to reconsider his suspension. Meanwhile, The New York Post reported that Trump spoke personally with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. “The President and Infantino spoke, and the President wanted to understand more about the reason why the red card was issued and why there was a suspension,” a US official told the New York Post.
Reports also claimed that the Trump administration was ready to involve White House lawyers and US Soccer’s legal team and even consider an appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Neither FIFA nor the White House has publicly confirmed the reported interference.
Why did FIFA reconsider the case?
According to reports, the legal argument centered on the use of slow-motion play during VAR reviews. Officials reportedly argued that the slow-motion videos should only help identify the exact point of contact, and not determine whether the player’s challenge was intentional. Balogun’s supporters maintained that he was trying to head the ball instead of deliberately stepping on his opponent’s ankle. FIFA’s independent judicial committee eventually agreed that suspending the punishment was justified under Article 27.
Trump later celebrated the decision on Social Truth, writing: “Thank you to FIFA for doing the right thing and overturning a great injustice.”
Why is Belgium angry?
Belgium had spent days preparing for the Round of 16 match without the United States’ top scorer. Balogun has scored three goals in his three starts at the World Cup, making him one of the best players Major American offensive threats. The Belgian Football Association accused FIFA of going against its own rules, saying: “We are surprised by this decision.” The federation said the changes conflicted with competition rules and warned it was exploring all legal options to protect “fundamental principles of fair play.”
Has FIFA done this before?
Such cases are very rare. One recent example involved Cristiano Ronaldowhose pre-tournament suspension was reduced, allowing him to take part in Portugal’s opening World Cup matches. Before that, one of football’s most famous moments happened in 1962, when Brazilian legend Garrincha was allowed to play in the World Cup final despite being sent off in the semi-finals.
LOL!!! “Nah bro I have a Trump card, I win.”
The trump card always wins! pic.twitter.com/gGTlmDm0wH
– Gunther Eagleman™ (@GuntherEagleman) July 5, 2026
This is why Folarin Balogun received a straight red card and was banned for one game. He nearly broke Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle.
People who say this is not red or call it injustice are stupid. pic.twitter.com/gpEWc5R4zp
– Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) July 5, 2026
NEW: President Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked him to review the suspension of US player Folarin Balogun, according to the NYT.
Balogun was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday and was suspended for the next game.
FIFA… pic.twitter.com/svJl6f4N3g
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 5, 2026
MAGA stakeholders are posting this as a good thing.
Trump getting Folarin Balogun unsuspended from the World Cup just shows you that everything he touches is pure bullshit.
Now, if the United States wins the World Cup, it will be questioned. Thank you, Trump. pic.twitter.com/IIPExBqKZW
– Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) July 5, 2026
USA vs Belgium kicks off at 4am GST on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 (late Monday, July 6 in the US).
