U.S. President Donald Trump admitted that it was at his instigation that FIFA canceled the red card of U.S. national team forward Folarin Balogun ahead of the match against Belgium in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, reports UNN.
They seemed confused. He didn't do anything wrong. And he is our best player or one of the best. He is a very important player, and they showed him a red card. I didn't know what that meant. I didn't think it was a big deal. Then I started hearing that it means he won't be able to play in the next match, at least the next one. I said: "Damn, that's serious, you know, if it happened to another player, it would be unfair." But when they take away your best player - or one of the best, they have several great players, but - and say you can't play, it's very unfair
He added that it is very unfair when someone is punished for a match that has not yet taken place.
It's very unfair. You can't do that. So, yes, I appealed to FIFA to review this decision. I spoke with a man who is highly respected, and by the way, the level of respect for him has increased several times. He was good before these events, but you know, in this country he really put a lot of effort into it. I made them do it. It wasn't Biden. Biden was sleeping
He noted that he spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
I didn't say: "You have to do this." This man is a smart, tough man, Gianni Infantino. He is a smart, tough man, and his stock has skyrocketed
Recall
U.S. President Donald Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino after Folarin Balogun's red card. The disciplinary committee canceled the suspension, allowing the player to play in the World Cup Round of 16 against Belgium.
UEFA called FIFA's decision to cancel the suspension of U.S. national team forward Folarin Balogun before the match against Belgium in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup incomprehensible, noting that these actions by the football organization crossed the red lines of football's integrity.