World Cup 2026 last-16 showdown thrown into chaos as US striker’s suspension is suspended following White House pressure, while Belgian FA weighs legal challenge.
US striker cleared to face Belgium after disciplinary U-turn
FIFA’s disciplinary committee has provisionally suspended the one-match ban imposed on United States forward Folarin Balogun, clearing him to feature in Saturday’s World Cup round-of-16 clash against Belgium.
The 24-year-old was shown a straight red card in the USA’s final group-stage victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina (2–0) for a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemović. Under Article 27 of FIFA’s disciplinary code, the automatic one-game suspension has now been replaced by a one-year probationary period, world football’s governing body confirmed in a brief statement.
Precedent set by Ronaldo – but questions over political interference
The ruling mirrors a similar case involving Cristiano Ronaldo. In November, during Portugal’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland, the 41-year-old received his first-ever red card for Portugal after striking an opponent with his elbow in the 59th minute.
Ronaldo was initially handed a three-match ban, but FIFA suspended the final two matches on a one-year probationary basis, citing his “exemplary disciplinary record.” He ultimately missed only the subsequent qualifier against Armenia.
Yet the timing and circumstances of Balogun’s reprieve have provoked far more controversy.
“Trump called Infantino” – US pressure claims surface
American football journalist Ben Jacobs reported via X that FIFA revisited its decision only after direct intervention from the White House. According to Jacobs, the US administration telephoned FIFA president Gianni Infantino to demand a review of the red card.
Reuters, citing a source familiar with the matter, confirmed that President Donald Trump personally contacted Infantino to urge the global football body to reconsider the dismissal. FIFA has not annulled the red card but has effectively neutralised its immediate consequence, allowing Balogun to play.
Trump hails “great injustice corrected” – raising lobbying fears
Within hours of the news breaking, Trump took to Truth Social to thank FIFA’s leadership.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing the right thing and correcting a great injustice,” the US president wrote.
His public gratitude has only intensified suspicions of undue influence. Jacobs later elaborated that Infantino had been directly apprised of the president’s view that the punishment was disproportionate, adding that other White House figures had also lobbied FIFA on Balogun’s behalf.
Balogun’s tournament form fuels American hopes
The Arsenal loanee has been the USA’s standout performer in the tournament, netting three goals in three group appearances. His availability is seen as crucial for the Americans, who face a formidable Belgian side in the early hours of July 7.
The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has expressed astonishment at FIFA’s about‑turn. While it has yet to issue an official statement, sources indicate the governing body is far from resigned to the decision.
Jacobs reports that the RBFA is actively exploring all legal avenues, including a potential appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Crucially, any challenge may be lodged after the match – particularly if Belgium suffer defeat, the journalist added.
What happens next?
With kick‑off looming, the controversy threatens to overshadow what was already a highly anticipated knockout fixture. FIFA’s willingness to bend its own code – under apparent political duress – has set a volatile precedent, while Belgium’s threat of legal action ensures this saga is far from over.
