Balogun Ban Lifted
FIFA reverses Balogun's World Cup ban after Trump's reported intervention.
July 5, 2026 · Updated Jul 5, 8:39pm ET
Al JazeeraFIFA suspends USA striker Balogun’s World Cup ban, earning Trump’s thanks
CBS NewsU.S. lead scorer Folarin Balogun will play in World Cup match against Belgium after suspension is lifted
FOX NewsTrump called FIFA president to review Folarin Balogun's red card ahead of USA-Belgium match, source says
The GuardianTrump lobbied Fifa to lift Folarin Balogun suspension for World Cup game v Belgium
ABC NewsTrump asked FIFA to review US World Cup star Folarin Balogun's red card ban: Sources
Breitbart NewsFIFA Suspends Red Card for US Soccer Star Folarin Balogun, Clearing Him to Play in World Cup Match vs. Belgium
MEDIAiteTrump Called Gianni Infantino to Appeal for Folarin Balogun
Associated PressFIFA lifts US star striker Balogun’s red card suspension at World Cup after Trump calls Infantino
The Daily WireTrump Thanks FIFA For Reversing ’Great Injustice’ As European Rivals Rage At World Cup
CNNFIFA stunned the soccer world by allowing the USA’s Folarin Balogun to play on Monday. Trump’s role is under the microscope
CNBCTrump asked FIFA to review Balogun's World Cup game suspension: Reports
New York PostTrump called FIFA president asking to review USMNT star Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension
TIME MagazineCommon Sense Prevails at the FIFA World Cup
Political WireTrump Gets Soccer Star’s Red Card Reversed
One America News NetworkTrump praises FIFA for reversal of U.S. soccer player's suspension ahead of high-stakes World Cup match
Raw StoryTrump's 'hilarious' meddling in FIFA World Cup stuns analysts: 'Man, does this look awful'
Straight Arrow NewsFIFA clears Balogun to face Belgium after Trump call
MS NOWTrump intervenes to lift American star Balogun’s World Cup suspension
NPRFolarin Balogun's ban is lifted by FIFA, allowing U.S. striker to play Belgium
Daily BeastTrump Thanks His World Cup Suck-Up Pal for Doing His Bidding
DeadlineFIFA Suspends USMNT's Folarin Balogun's Red Card Ahead Of Belgium Match
USA TODAYTrump lobbied FIFA president to review US star's World Cup suspension
FortuneFIFA allows U.S. star Balogun to play Belgium despite red card
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What happened
FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun
Folarin BalogunAmerican footballer (born 2001)’s one-match red-card ban, making the U.S. striker eligible for the World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium on Monday in Seattle. Balogun had been ejected in the United States’ Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a foul on defender Tarik MuharemovicTarik MuharemovićBosnian association football player. President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino
Gianni InfantinoSwiss-Italian-Lebanese football administrator after the card and asked for the suspension to be reviewed, then thanked FIFA after the decision. Belgium’s federation said it was astonished and considering possible options.
