President Donald Trump personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino after U.S. forward Folarin Balogun received a red card at the World Cup, according to reports.
A U.S. official told Axios that Trump called Infantino before FIFA lifted Balogun’s one match suspension.
The call came after Balogun was sent off in the United States’ 2 to 0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
FIFA later suspended the punishment, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium in Monday’s round of 16 match.
The red card came after a video review of a challenge on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic.
Balogun’s suspension was not erased. FIFA placed the punishment on hold for a one year probationary period.
The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was astonished by FIFA’s decision.
Belgium’s federation said it is reviewing possible options to protect fair play and the rights of teams in the tournament.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia also criticized the decision, saying it raised serious questions about World Cup integrity.
Balogun has been one of the United States’ most important players at the tournament.
He leads the U.S. team with three goals and gives coach Mauricio Pochettino a major attacking option against Belgium.
The United States is trying to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.
FIFA said its decision relied on Article 27 of its disciplinary rules, which allows a judicial body to suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.
The Guardian reported that the red card remains on Balogun’s record during the probation period.
If Balogun commits a similar offense during that time, the suspended punishment could be enforced along with any new sanction.
Trump praised FIFA on social media after the decision, saying the organization had reversed what he called a great injustice.
Critics say the case raises concerns about political influence in international sports discipline.
Supporters of the reversal say the original red card was too harsh and that Balogun had no intent to injure his opponent.
The ruling keeps Balogun available for one of the biggest matches of the U.S. campaign, but it also leaves FIFA facing tough questions about consistency, fairness and who gets heard when a World Cup suspension is challenged.