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In a stunning development, U.S. men's national team forward Folarin Balogun has been cleared to feature in the World Cup round of 16 clash against Belgium on Monday evening. The news has sparked speculation about whether U.S. President Donald Trump played a role in the outcome.
The 25-year-old prolific scorer, who has captured the nation's imagination with three goals in three appearances during his tournament debut, was shown a contentious red card in the 64th minute of the round of 32 fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The supposedly non-negotiable, one-match suspension under FIFA's tournament regulations cast a shadow over what was otherwise a thrilling contest, in which the USMNT claimed its first knockout stage victory in 24 years and advanced to the last 16.
Balogun had been fully prepared to watch from the bench at Seattle's Lumen Field as his teammates faced the European giants. "I've heard a lot of different views and opinions, but personally, I think a yellow card would have been the right call, and since it's happened, we need to move on, and I have to accept it," he told reporters on Friday.
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Despite this, FIFA confirmed the reversal on Sunday, announcing on its official website: "By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one year."
Article 27 of FIFA's disciplinary code states that "the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure." This discretionary provision was similarly applied when Cristiano Ronaldo escaped a three-match ban after receiving a straight red card while representing Portugal in a pre-World Cup friendly.
Shortly after the announcement, the President took to Truth Social, writing: "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!" It was subsequently reported that the White House placed a direct call to FIFA, urging governing body president Gianni Infantino to reconsider the red card ruling, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.
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It is well documented that Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino share a close personal relationship, one that has been further strengthened through the U.S. co-hosting this summer's 2026 World Cup. Infantino even presented Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at the World Cup Draw held in Washington, D.C. last December.
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However, FIFA sources have reportedly maintained that the White House had no influence whatsoever over the decision to lift Balogun's suspension, insisting it was entirely determined by the disciplinary panel in line with Article 27.
The USMNT squad is overjoyed by the ruling. "Balogun handled it so well, and the team handled it well," said star player Christian Pulisic, per journalist Larry Henry Jr. "You have to handle things the right way, and good things happen to people who do. He stayed so positive and kept the team first. It feels right. I'm really excited for him to have this chance. Seeing the smile on his face and knowing he can give us a lift tomorrow is just great."