Trump Contacted Infantino Over Balogun Red Card as FIFA Lifted Striker's Ban
President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card issued to United States men's national team striker Folarin Balogun during the team's Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, a source confirmed to Fox News. FIFA's Disciplinary Committee subsequently cleared Balogun to play, ruling that his suspension would be served on a probationary basis rather than as an immediate match ban. The substance of Trump's conversation with Infantino was not disclosed.
FIFA confirmed the suspension was converted to a one-year probationary period, citing a provision in its disciplinary code that permits a judicial body to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure. Under the same provision, should Balogun commit another infringement of similar nature and gravity during that period, the suspension would be reinstated. U.S. Soccer acknowledged the ruling in a statement: "We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow. Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans." saptari pride league
Balogun, who plays as a center forward, had scored three goals for the United States in the tournament prior to the disciplinary ruling, including one in the Bosnia and Herzegovina match before his dismissal. His availability alters the tactical picture for head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who had been working through options to field the team without his first-choice striker. The Royal Belgian Football Association, whose side narrowly advanced from the Round of 32, said it was "astonished" by FIFA's ruling and announced it was "investigating all potential options" to challenge Balogun's reinstatement ahead of the match in Seattle.
Trump and Infantino have a documented public relationship; Trump received the FIFA Peace Prize from Infantino at the tournament's official draw ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., on December 5, 2025, and Trump has publicly described Infantino as a "great leader in sports" and a friend. Both are scheduled to be present at New York/New Jersey Stadium on July 19 for the World Cup Final, where Trump is set to present the trophy to the winning team's captain on the field. Should the United States defeat Belgium, it would be only the second time in the nation's history that the USMNT has reached the World Cup quarterfinals; a victory would place them against the winner of the Portugal-Spain fixture.
