FIFA lifts Balogun ban after Trump reportedly intervenes

FIFA announced on Sunday, July 5, 2026, that U.S. footballer Folarin Balogun, who had received a red card in the Round of 32, is no longer suspended. U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly contacted the organization to review the decision and expressed his gratitude.

Balogun, a forward for the United States in the 2026 World Cup, was shown a direct red card in the 64th minute of the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, 2026. He had opened the scoring for the U.S. in that game. The foul occurred when Balogun made an excessive challenge on opponent Tarik Muharemovic, resulting in the Bosnian defender's ankle being twisted.

The red card meant Balogun would miss the Round of 16 match against Belgium scheduled for Monday, July 6. However, FIFA invoked Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code, placing the one-match suspension on a one-year probationary period. This means the red card remains on record, but the suspension will not be enforced unless Balogun commits another offense within that year.

According to CNN, citing a source familiar with the matter, Donald Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino after the incident involving Balogun, requesting that the decision be re-evaluated. Following FIFA's announcement to lift the suspension, Trump posted on the social network Truth, thanking the organization for reversing the decision in favor of the U.S. team. Earlier, Senator Marco Rubio had also commented on the red card, deeming it unfair and calling for an appeals mechanism.