Trump Called FIFA Chief Before Balogan Red Card Overturned
President Trump called FIFA chief Infantino to request a review of striker Folarin Balogan's red card, which was subsequently reduced to a suspended ban rather than a match suspension.
International media reports that U.S. President Donald Trump telephoned FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review American striker Folarin Balogan's red card before FIFA subsequently reduced his punishment. Reuters reports that Trump called Infantino to request a review of Balogan's dismissal from the Round of 32 match in the 2026 World Cup, where the U.S. defeated Bosnia 2-0. The 25-year-old striker received a red card after a VAR review determined his collision with Tarik Muharemovic constituted dangerous play, which would normally result in a match ban. However, FIFA later announced that Balogan's ban was suspended and replaced with a one-year conditional penalty instead, allowing him to return for the Round of 16 match against Belgium on July 6. After FIFA's announcement, Trump posted on social media thanking FIFA for "doing the right thing and correcting a major injustice." Reports subsequently cited sources claiming Trump had called Infantino about the matter, suggesting his intervention may have influenced FIFA's decision to reduce Balogan's punishment.
