FIFA Overturns Red Card for American Forward Folarin Balogun Ahead of Belgium Match Following Trump Request

FIFA has rescinded the red card issued to United States national team striker Folarin Balogun, clearing the way for him to participate in the upcoming match against Belgium. The decision came after an intervention from former President Donald Trump.

Balogun had received the dismissal in an earlier fixture during the 2026 World Cup competition. The overturned suspension will allow the American forward to be available for selection in the fixture against the Belgian side.

The reversal marks an unusual development in the tournament, as FIFA typically maintains strict adherence to disciplinary procedures. The involvement of Trump in the matter has drawn attention to the intersection of politics and international sports governance during the ongoing World Cup campaign.