FIFA has cleared United States forward Folarin Balogun to play in Monday's World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium after overturning his automatic red-card suspension.
The decision followed direct intervention from Donald Trump.
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According to the Guardian, Trump placed three separate phone calls to soccer's governing body starting Wednesday to advocate for the striker.
Balogun had received a red card during the USMNT's victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, which initially ruled him out of the knockout stage opener.
Boost for USMNT
The regulatory reversal provides a major competitive boost to the tournament co-hosts under manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Balogun has emerged as a consistent attacking threat with three goals during this World Cup campaign.
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Analysis from Racing Post indicated that the United States team can leverage its significant home advantage to overcome Belgium and secure a spot in the quarter-finals.
Belgium's national team has struggled to find consistent form during the tournament, securing only a single regulation-time victory against New Zealand.
The Belgian defensive unit previously conceded two goals against Senegal in the previous round before escaping with an extra-time win.
Belgian FA officials expressed astonishment at the ruling.
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Manager Rudi Garcia stated that he initially believed the announcement was an April Fools joke before realizing the suspension had been officially lifted.
