FIFA rescinded the automatic one-game suspension of American forward Folarin Balogun on Sunday, July 5, 2026, clearing the team's leading scorer to participate in the upcoming World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium on Monday.
The disciplinary relief followed an intervention by U. S.
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President Donald Trump, who contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card issued during Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, according to an anonymous source reported by the Associated Press.
Trump released a statement following the administrative reversal. "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!"
he said.
The decision drew strong condemnation from the opposing camp. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia questioned the timing and integrity of the global soccer governing body.
"I didn’t know that in the offices of FIFA the 5th of July was the 1st of April in Europe," Garcia said.
"The Belgian federation does not defend itself, it does not protect the national team, She defends football in general, she defends her integrity, her ethics.
I think it’s the first time in the history of the World Cup that there is this kind of decision."
The Royal Belgian Football Association also expressed official dissatisfaction and confirmed it is exploring legal measures regarding the tournament's integrity regulations.
"In order to safeguard the legitimate rights of all participating teams and to protect the fundamental principles of fair play in our sport, both at this FIFA World Cup and at future editions of the tournament, the RBFA is investigating all potential options," the Belgian federation said in a statement.
