Political interference clouds US World Cup hopes as Balogun reinstated

FIFA’s decision to suspend U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red card after an intervention by President Donald Trump means the United States can field the 25‑year‑old forward in Monday’s last‑16 clash with Belgium. The move removes the one‑match ban that had been imposed for his dismissal against Bosnia‑Herzegovina, reopening his role in Mauricio Pochettino’s side. Balogun was sent off in the round‑of‑32 match versus Bosnia‑Herzegovina on Wednesday for a foul on defender Tarik Muharemovic, which initially ruled him out of the subsequent round‑of‑16 tie. The red card had erased his three goals in three games for the U.S. team. President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Thursday, after which the suspension was effectively lifted, allowing Balogun to be eligible for Monday’s knockout match. Trump thanked the federation on Truth Social on Sunday for “reversing a great injustice”. FIFA explained that, under Article 27 of its disciplinary code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year, with any repeat infringement to trigger the original sanction.

FIFA backs referee Trump called 'suspicious' over Balogun red card

Former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger wrote on X, “Even FIFA is engaged in Trump crime family corruption. If USA wins the cup there will now always be an asterisk. Fair or unfair.” Geopolitics expert Cyrus Janssen posted, “This isn’t good karma for the U.S. Men’s Team, the U.S. President should not have the power to force FIFA to overturn a decision.” Anti‑Trump commentator Brian Krassenstein added, “MAGA clowns are posting this like it’s a good thing. Trump getting Folarin Balogun unsuspended from the World Cup just shows you that everything he touches is delegitimate crap.” Political journalist Julia Ioffe highlighted the irony that Trump, who recently challenged birthright citizenship in the Supreme Court, intervened on behalf of Balogun, who was born in New York in July 2001 to British parents on holiday.

FIFA chief defends decision after Trump intervenes in Balogun red card row

United States manager Mauricio Pochettino and playmaker Christian Pulisic welcomed the development. Belgium manager Rudi Garcia said, “I didn’t know that at the World Cup the 5th of July is actually the first of April. It’s April Fools.” The Royal Belgian Football Association called the rule‑bending “astonished”, and former England international Gary Neville described the reprieve as “absolutely stinks.” Former England captain Wayne Rooney said on the BBC, “If I’m the USA’s opponent, I’d be absolute.” The United States now faces Belgium with Balogun available, but the controversy surrounding his reinstatement threatens to cast a long shadow over any potential victory.