The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now mired in a fresh controversy. Although US striker Folarin Balogun received a red card during the match against Bosnia, FIFA took the unprecedented step of suspending his one-match ban. Consequently, the striker is eligible to play in tomorrow’s Round of 16 match against Belgium—a decision directly influenced by US President Donald Trump himself.
Sources indicate that Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a reconsideration of the decision to send off Balogun. FIFA’s unusual ruling followed shortly thereafter. This controversial incident has raised questions regarding FIFA’s neutrality and its ability to remain free from political influence. FIFA has not commented on the matter despite multiple requests from Reuters.
What happened on the pitch
Balogun scored his third World Cup goal during the 2-0 victory over Bosnia. However, in the second half, he was shown a red card following a VAR review for striking Tarik Muharemovic’s ankle with his boot. US team coach Mauricio Pochettino had argued that the offense did not warrant a red card.
FIFA’s statement
In its statement, FIFA announced that, in accordance with Article 27 of the Disciplinary Code, the enforcement of Balogun’s suspension has been deferred for a probationary period of one year. Should a similar offense occur again, the suspended ban would be enforced alongside any additional penalties for the new infraction. However, FIFA did not provide a specific explanation for why the suspension was deferred.
Trump’s elation, Belgium’s outrage
Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to describe the decision as the “rectification of a major injustice.”
Conversely, the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) expressed astonishment at the decision. They pointed out that, according to Article 66.4 of FIFA’s own Disciplinary Code, receiving a red card results in an automatic suspension for the subsequent match—a rule that had been strictly applied to all red cards throughout the tournament up to this stage. They also cited Article 10.5 of the competition rules, which explicitly outlines this very regulation. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia went so far as to say that the whole affair feels like an ‘April Fool’s’ joke to him.
Reactions from Players and Coaches
Although the US team accepted the decision, the players reportedly first learned of the news via social media. Forward Christian Pulisic stated that while it was initially hard to believe the news, they later felt relieved. Speaking at a press conference in Seattle, Pochettino defended the move, noting that almost everyone in the football world considers the punishment unfair and that there are precedents for such suspensions being stayed. England coach Thomas Tuchel also questioned the red card incident following the match against Mexico. Now, France has also announced plans to appeal for the rescinding of Michael Olise’s yellow card.
Past Precedents
FIFA reversing such decisions is nothing new. Last year, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was able to play in the opening matches of the World Cup after the final two games of a three-match ban—incurred following a red card in a qualifier against Ireland—were suspended.
