FIFA Lifts Balogun's Red Card After Trump Call; US Star Cleared for Belgium Match

FIFA has reversed a red card suspension for U.S. star Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the upcoming World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. The decision came after an intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly called FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

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The U.S. striker Folarin Balogun will be available to play on Monday in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against Belgium.

Balogun was initially sent off for an unintentional foul during a previous match. FIFA cited Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code to suspend the automatic one-year ban, a move that has drawn criticism from the Belgian FA. The Belgian federation argued that a red card automatically means suspension for the next match, as per Article 66.4 of the same code.

President Trump celebrated the decision on his Truth social media account, calling it "the right thing" and "a great injustice" that was corrected. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously stated that the American team was unfairly penalized by the red card, advocating for an appeal process.

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The RBFA is dismayed by FIFA's decision to declare the suspended U.S. player Folarin Balogun eligible to play in the match between the United States and Belgium.

The U.S. government, including the White House, has reacted positively to the news, with celebratory posts on social media. This unprecedented intervention in a player's suspension highlights the high stakes and political dimensions that can surround major international sporting events.

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