World Cup 2026: Donald Trump reveals he asked FIFA to review Folarin Balogun ban

United States President Donald Trump has confirmed he personally asked FIFA to review the one-match suspension handed to striker Folarin Balogun, insisting football’s governing body ultimately made “the right decision” by allowing the forward to play.

Balogun had been set to miss the United States’ World Cup last-16 clash against Belgium after receiving a straight red card for a challenge on Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic in the previous round.

However, FIFA took the unprecedented step of suspending the automatic one-match ban for 12 months, clearing the 25-year-old, who has already scored three goals at the tournament, to be available for selection in Seattle.

“It would have left a big stain”

Speaking at the White House, Trump revealed he had contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of the incident, stressing that he never instructed the governing body on what decision to make.

According to the president, the collision did not warrant a dismissal and deserved another look.

“I thought it was two great athletes who crashed into each other and got entangled,” Trump said.

He added: “I think it [the suspension] would have left a big stain. I can’t tell them what to do. I don’t believe they made the decision; I believe it was the commission that made the decision. And it was the right decision.”

Trump’s comments came a day after FIFA’s decision sparked global debate over the integrity and consistency of its disciplinary process.

Belgium and Tuchel question FIFA ruling

The decision has not been universally welcomed.

The Royal Belgian Football Association issued a strongly worded statement expressing disbelief at the reversal, warning it would continue to defend “the fundamental principles of ethics, fair competition, and the interests of football as a whole.”

Concerns have also emerged from within the football community.

Thomas Tuchel, whose England side also had a player sent off earlier in the tournament, questioned where FIFA would draw the line on disciplinary appeals if similar incidents begin to receive special treatment.

“Where to draw the line is the question that I ask. I have no answer to that,” Tuchel said.

“Do we appeal if a yellow card is not a yellow card? Do we think it is not a red card or who thinks it? Where does this start and where does this end? It’s my question. I don’t have an answer.”

Spotlight remains on FIFA

While Balogun is now free to feature for the United States, the controversy surrounding his eligibility is unlikely to disappear soon.

FIFA’s extraordinary intervention has placed its disciplinary procedures under intense scrutiny, with critics questioning whether the ruling has created a precedent that could shape future appeals.