Football World Cup 2026: Trump is said to have had US player Balogun’s ban lifted

According to a media report, US President Donald Trump Apparently FIFA boss Gianni Infantino personally called to get US striker Folarin Balogun’s ban lifted. This is what the US newspaper reports The Athletic and the AP news agency. Neither FIFA nor the White House have yet commented on the allegations.

Previously it had Fifa The ban imposed after a red card from a game against Balogun was suspended. This means that the offensive player will unexpectedly be available for the USA in the round of 16 of the World Cup against Belgium on Tuesday (2 a.m. CEST).

Trump, who had so far been conspicuously reserved at the World Cup, then personally thanked FIFA for the decision. The world association “did the right thing and reversed a great injustice,” he wrote on its online platform. Even before Trump’s comments, Balogun’s expulsion had become a political issue. The US Secretary of State, among others, also felt this way Marco Rubio about the red card: “You were treated like shit,” he said in the press room of the White House in Washington DC

Balogun was shown a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina (64th minute) after he unintentionally and unfortunately stepped on Tarik Muharemović’s ankle. However, according to Article 27 of the Fifa disciplinary catalogue, a sentence can be suspended for one year.

Belgium wants to take action against FIFA’s decision

According to FIFA, Balogun’s ban will be suspended for one year. If the attacker commits “another violation of the same type and severity” during this time, the sanction will be enforced. If US coach Mauricio Pochettino’s player does not commit another offense at the World Cup, it is already clear that the possible punishment would follow at a time that would not be nearly as important as in the round of 16 against Belgium.

Pochettino had already criticized referee Raphael Claus’ decision for a red card in the round of 16 after the final whistle. »For me that is never a red card. That was never intentional,” said Pochettino. Lifting a ban after a red card is a novelty at this tournament. Balogun is probably the most important offensive player in the US team alongside Christian Pulisic.

The Belgian Football Association (RBFA) now wants to take action against the lifted ban. The association is “currently examining all possible options,” it said in a statement on Instagram. The Belgians particularly point to Article 66.4 of the FIFA disciplinary catalogue, which actually prevents a U-turn like the Balogun case.

The RBAF was “astonished” by FIFA’s decision and referred to a circular sent before the start of the World Cup in which this rule was pointed out. “I didn’t know that July 5th was April 1st,” said Belgium national coach Rudi Garcia, but emphasized: “As a coach, I will focus on my team.” The fact that Balogun is now allowed to play doesn’t change “anything” for him.

You can read all further developments about the World Cup in our live blog.