FIFA overturns US striker's ban after reported Trump intervention

FIFA has surprisingly suspended the one-game ban for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, clearing him to participate in the team's World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium.

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Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!

The decision has garnered praise from U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to advocate for Balogun's case. Trump celebrated the reversal as "doing what was right" and correcting "a great injustice." However, the move has sparked outrage from the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), which expressed astonishment and stated the decision contradicts the tournament's regulations.

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The decision is in direct contradiction with the provisions of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Competition Regulations.

Balogun was initially shown a red card for stepping on the ankle of Tarik Muharemović of Bosnia and Herzegovina during a previous match. A red card typically results in an automatic one-game suspension. U.S. players learned of Balogun's availability unexpectedly, with defender Chris Richards admitting initial disbelief.

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I think a lot of us thought it was AI at first. We weren't sure if it was true or not.

FIFA's decision places the suspension under a probationary period of one year. If Balogun commits another offense of similar gravity during this time, the original suspension will be enforced. The U.S. Soccer Federation has not made Balogun available for comment, but he posted a celebratory image on social media. The RBFA is reportedly exploring all available options in response to FIFA's ruling.

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If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.