Trump speaks on World Cup controversy: 'I called Infantino, but didn't know what would happen'

Former U.S. President Donald Trump addressed a controversial moment from the World Cup, stating he contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino about a red card decision involving American forward Folarin Balogun. The decision to overturn the red card and allow Balogun to play in the knockout stages against Belgium had been a subject of debate.

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I called Gianni and gave a recommendation. I said, 'Gianni, I would like to make a recommendation. Let that guy play!' No, I didn't say that. I said, 'I would like to lodge a complaint.' I had no idea what was going to happen.

Speaking alongside Infantino at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower, Trump downplayed his role in the outcome. "I called Gianni and gave a recommendation. I said, 'Gianni, I would like to make a recommendation. Let that guy play!' No, I didn't say that. I said, 'I would like to lodge a complaint.' I had no idea what was going to happen," Trump recounted. He added that Infantino ultimately made the decision, calling it "another excellent decision" by the FIFA president, which he felt deserved more recognition.

Trump also offered his views on England's tactical decisions during the tournament. He specifically questioned coach Thomas Tuchel's choice to shift captain Harry Kane, whom Trump described as a "fantastic" player he had played golf with, into a defensive role. "I think they might have made a mistake when they turned him into a defensive player," Trump mused, adding, "They took their best player and put him in defense."

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But, you know, it turned out much better that way because there is no controversy. They won, and our team had all of its players together. Infantino made another excellent decision, when you think about it. And he'll never get the credit for that.

The former president reflected on the World Cup as a memorable tournament filled with intense competition. He implied that his intervention, though he claimed ignorance of the consequences, ultimately contributed to a smoother tournament outcome by preventing further controversy around Balogun's participation.

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England has a great player who I played golf with. You know that, right? It's Harry, who was fantastic. I think they might have made a mistake when they turned him into a defensive player. What do I know about soccer? They took their best player and put him in defense.