FIFA World Cup 2026: Trump thanks FIFA after Balogun cleared to play for US in RO16 clash against Belgium

U.S. President Donald Trump expressed gratitude to FIFA for reversing a suspension on American striker Folarin Balogun, enabling him to participate in the United States' FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against Belgium. Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to state, "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!."

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced on Sunday that the automatic one-match suspension, incurred by Balogun's red card in a previous match, had been suspended. This decision allows the forward to feature in the knockout encounter. The committee's statement indicated that the suspension is lifted for a probationary period of one year, as per Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

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

Balogun received a red card in the 64th minute of the United States' 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. Despite playing with 10 men, the U.S. team secured their place in the last 16. The forward's availability is a significant boost for head coach Mauricio Pochettino, as Balogun has been a standout performer for the U.S. in the tournament, scoring three goals so far.

The U.S. team's hopes of reaching the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002 are strengthened with Balogun's inclusion. Their upcoming match against Belgium carries historical weight, recalling their dramatic extra-time loss in the 2014 World Cup, despite an exceptional performance by U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard. With Balogun cleared to play, the United States enters the match with renewed confidence, aiming to advance further in the competition.

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By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year.