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President Trump picked up the phone on July 5, called FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and asked him to review a red card that US striker Folarin Balogun received during a group-stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee then lifted Balogun’s automatic one-game suspension, clearing him to play in the Round of 16 against Belgium.
What happened on the field, and then off it
Balogun, the US team’s top scorer in the tournament, was shown a red card during the Bosnia and Herzegovina match. Under standard FIFA rules, a red card triggers an automatic one-game suspension. That would have sidelined him for a knockout round against Belgium scheduled for July 6-7.
Trump then held a public statement on July 6 in which he called the referee “a little bit suspect.” Belgium filed a formal appeal challenging Balogun’s eligibility. That appeal was denied.
Why the backlash has been swift and global
The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. When you’re the host nation and your president is personally lobbying the organization that runs the tournament, the phrase “home advantage” takes on a meaning FIFA’s rulebook never intended.
Trump’s relationship with Infantino is not new. The two have had high-profile interactions dating back to Trump’s first presidential term, particularly around the US bid to co-host this very tournament and the logistics of staging it across three countries.
The bigger picture: sports governance under pressure
This is the first time the World Cup has returned to North America since the 1994 tournament in the United States. The 2026 edition features an expanded 48-team format spread across three nations.
FIFA reversed a standard disciplinary action after a head of state made a phone call. The Belgium match will proceed with Balogun in the US lineup.
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