Folarin Balogun’s Red card Suspension Lifted After Trump Called FIFA President

Despite Balogun’s reinstatement, the U.S. national team lost the match against Belgium 4‑1.

U.S. Men’s National Team star Folarin Balogun was allowed to play against Belgium after FIFA’s disciplinary committee lifted the red card suspension he received on Wednesday. The reinstatement came after President Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Thursday and they talked about discussed the red card penalty and suspension.

On July 6th, President Trump confirmed that the suspension had been lifted and that Balogun would play the match against Belgium. “I asked for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul,” Mr. Trump told reporters in the Oval Office after an unrelated event. He continued, “I thought it was two great athletes that crashed into each other and got entangled.”

Infantino also confirmed the reinstatement. “During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA’s independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies,” he said of his call with Mr. Trump.

On July 7th, Belgium won the match against the U.S. with a score of 4‑1. Balogun started the match well but did not manage to score. USA Today pointed out that this was an ugly loss for U.S. soccer. So far, all of the host teams have lost in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.