© Phil Noble-Reuters via Imagn Images
President Trump reportedly called FIFA President Gianni Infantino
It appears that President Trump and the White House pressured FIFA to overturn Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension.
Earlier this week, Balogun was issued a red card in Team USA’S Round of 32 game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Was this worthy of a red card? 🟥 pic.twitter.com/WfrIxMRNMD
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 2, 2026
After the game, FIFA insisted that Balogun’s red card could not be reversed.
FIFA sources confirm there is no mechanism to appeal a World Cup red card in their Disciplinary Code. Which seems quite surreal. But it means Balogun will not be able to play Belgium.
On Sunday, FIFA surprisingly announced that Balogun will be allowed to play in Monday’s game vs Belgium under Article 27, which would allow them to suspend his red card ban.
Via NY Times
A statement from the governing body and World Cup organizer read: “In line with article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.
“If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”
According to NBC News’ Greg Rosenstein, President Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card suspension given to Balogun.
President Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card suspension given to U.S. star Folarin Balogun, @NBCNews‘ @albamonica confirmed.
Balogun’s one-game ban was reversed on Sunday and he’s eligible to play Monday vs. Belgium.
— Greg Rosenstein (@grosenstein) July 5, 2026
Clay Travis reports that Trump’s White House hired a team of “elite lawyers” to challenge Balogun’s red card.
Via Clay Travis/X
Sources: President Trump, commerce secretary Howard Lutnick, and White House task force head Andrew Giuliani put together a team of elite lawyers — from outside the government — to challenge the Flo Balogun red card.
Specifically they challenged the use of slow motion instant replay to give the red card, which they argued violated FIFA rules. The president also conveyed to Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, that the appeal had been filed and he believed the red card penalty was excessive. FIFA’s independent committee reviewed the decision and agreed the penalty was incorrectly given, rescinding it under their rule 27 authority.