World Cup 2026: Trump Thanks FIFA For Suspending Balogun’s Red Card

President Donald Trump on Sunday thanked FIFA for suspending the red card issued to USA’s Folarin Balogun, which has paved the way for the former Arsenal striker to play in the World Cup round of 16 clash with Belgium.

Balogun had been shown a straight red card in the U.S.’s round of 32 win (2-0) over Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggering an automatic one-game ban, which multiple FIFA officials had told The Athletic could not be appealed.

But on Sunday afternoon, just a day before the U.S. faces Belgium at Lumen Field in Seattle, The Athletic revealed Balogun would, in fact, be available, which was later confirmed by statements from FIFA.

Balogun’s red card for a foul on Bosnia’s defender Tarik Muharemovic proved controversial at the time, with U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino and winger Christian Pulisic among those to slam the decision immediately after Wednesday’s game.

It is no surprise, then, that the decision from FIFA’s disciplinary committee — which has the power to increase bans, as well as fully or partially suspend them — has also triggered a sizeable reaction, starting from Trump.

“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” U.S. President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform.

Also Read: Blame Arteta’s Poor Tactics For My Brother’s Drop In Form -Folarin Balogun’s Brother

Balogun’s U.S. teammates, meanwhile, found out about the decision on the team bus to training at the University of Washington on Sunday. “Obviously, for us it gives us a boost,” Pulisic told reporters at training.

“I mean, if you look at the foul, it was just — it’s zero intent at all. I felt like there was much worse ones that went on at this tournament.

“Balo handled it so well, and I think the team handled it well. We weren’t here to complain or make some — like, you have to handle it in a good way, and, you know, good things happen to people like that. He was so positive and all for the team. It just feels right, I guess.”

“I don’t know when Balo found out,” defender Chris Richards said to reporters. “If he knew before us, he kept it quiet.

“I think a lot of us thought it was AI at first, but I think we’re really excited. We found out through social media. … I thought it was AI and stuff. There’s a lot of people posting a lot of stuff. So, we weren’t sure if it was true or not.

“I mean, to be fair, we were lit on the bus regardless. We had our speaker in the back, so we were just listening to music. Then one person said something, another person said another thing, and nobody wanted to confirm it. So, like I said, pretty much right when we got here (was) when we found out that it was true.”