Trump's FIFA Call Couldn't Save Balogun or U.S. from World Cup Exit

Folarin Balogun, a key figure for the United States in the 2026 World Cup, played against Belgium in a match marred by controversy, ultimately ending in a significant defeat for his team. Despite scoring three goals in five previous games, Balogun's tournament memory is now linked to the unusual intervention by then-U.S. President Donald Trump, who personally contacted FIFA to review and overturn a red card Balogun received against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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Yes, I did. I spoke and asked for a review by FIFA.

Trump publicly acknowledged his involvement, stating, "I did. I spoke and asked for a review by FIFA." This unprecedented presidential intervention into a match suspension created a scandal. However, Balogun's performance in the crucial knockout stage match against Belgium, which the U.S. lost 4-1, was far from influential. He had limited involvement, with only 10 touches of the ball and three shots during his 92 minutes on the field. Thibaut Courtois, the Belgian goalkeeper, managed to save the only shot that posed a real threat.

Balogun was largely ineffective, struggling to impose himself against the Belgian defense. His most notable contribution was drawing the foul that led to the United States' temporary equalizer. Coach Mauricio Pochettino had celebrated having Balogun available, having previously deemed the red card against Bosnia as "unjust."

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One of the best players on the team.

Ultimately, neither Trump's intervention nor Balogun's presence could salvage the U.S. team's World Cup campaign. The team was eliminated from the tournament, joining co-hosts Mexico and Canada in watching the remainder of the competition from the sidelines. The Belgian Football Association had protested the unusual FIFA decision, citing surprising procedural irregularities.

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Unjust.