Trump's call leads to Balogun's reinstatement, US falls 4-1 to Belgium

Trump's call leads to Balogun's reinstatement, US falls 4-1 to Belgium

The United States men's national soccer team lost 4-1 to Belgium in a World Cup round-of-16 match after FIFA reinstated forward Folarin Balogun following a request from President Donald Trump. Balogun had been shown a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina forward Tarik Muharemovic in the United States' round-of-32 victory, and Yahoo Sports reported that FIFA rules barred any appeal of the suspension. The disciplinary committee upheld the one-match ban, meaning Balogun would miss the knockout game, as noted by FOX Sports and USA Today. President Trump later contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for a review, a call he confirmed in statements cited by NBC News and The New York Times.

AP News said FIFA placed the ban on a one-year probation and lifted it, allowing Balogun to be eligible for the Belgium match. The Royal Belgian Football Association filed an appeal against the reversal, according to The New York Times. In the match, the United States were defeated 4-1 by Belgium, as reported by MS NOW.

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July 08, 2026
1 total
U.S. men's soccer team loses to Belgium after President Trump contacts FIFA official
U.S. men's soccer team loses to Belgium after President Trump contacts FIFA official

MS NOW • 08 Jul 18:59

The United States men's soccer team was defeated 4-1 by Belgium in a World Cup match, prompting speculation about President Donald Trump's involvement after he reportedly called FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

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July 07, 2026
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FIFA Suspends Two U.S. Soccer Officials Ahead of Belgium Match
FIFA Suspends Two U.S. Soccer Officials Ahead of Belgium Match

Yahoo Sports • 07 Jul 19:11

FIFA reportedly suspended U.S. Soccer team manager Sam Zapatka and security vice-president Frank Pannell before the United States lost 4-1 to Belgium, though the reasons remain unclear.

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Belgium celebrates win over United States after FIFA overturns player suspension
Belgium celebrates win over United States after FIFA overturns player suspension

NBC Sports • 07 Jul 13:10

Belgium defeated the United States 4-1 in a World Cup round-of-16 match, scoring the decisive goal in extra time, after FIFA lifted a one-game ban on U.S. striker Folarin Balogun following intervention by President Trump.

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Trump's Call to FIFA Leads to Reinstatement of U.S. Player Ahead of World Cup Match
Trump's Call to FIFA Leads to Reinstatement of U.S. Player Ahead of World Cup Match

The New York Times • 07 Jul 10:53

President Trump intervened with FIFA to reverse the suspension of forward Folarin Balogun, prompting mixed reactions from American soccer fans and commentators.

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FIFA faces criticism after U.S. player’s suspension lifted amid Trump involvement
FIFA faces criticism after U.S. player’s suspension lifted amid Trump involvement

The New York Times • 07 Jul 10:31

FIFA reinstated U.S. forward Folarin Balogun for a match against Belgium, prompting accusations of political interference from European football bodies and U.S. officials.

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U.S. soccer team eliminated after 4-1 loss to Belgium amid presidential intervention
U.S. soccer team eliminated after 4-1 loss to Belgium amid presidential intervention

Los Angeles Times • 07 Jul 10:00

The United States men's soccer team was knocked out of the World Cup after a 4-1 defeat to Belgium, a match that followed President Trump's request to FIFA to overturn a red card given to forward Folarin Balogun.

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Belgium defeats USA 4-1 to advance to World Cup quarterfinals amid FIFA red-card controversy
Belgium defeats USA 4-1 to advance to World Cup quarterfinals amid FIFA red-card controversy

Euronews • 07 Jul 09:58

Belgium eliminated the United States from the World Cup with a 4-1 win, while FIFA faced criticism for reversing a red card shown to US striker Folarin Balogun after discussions with officials.

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FIFA Suspends Red-Card Ban for US Striker After Trump Intervention, Prompting Belgian Appeal
FIFA Suspends Red-Card Ban for US Striker After Trump Intervention, Prompting Belgian Appeal

DW.com • 07 Jul 03:47

FIFA used a discretionary provision to pause the one-match suspension of U.S. forward Folarin Balogun following a red-card incident, after former President Donald Trump asked for a review, leading Belgium to lodge an appeal.

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Belgium mocks FIFA and Trump after 4-1 World Cup victory over USA
Belgium mocks FIFA and Trump after 4-1 World Cup victory over USA

Yahoo Sports • 07 Jul 03:37

Belgium posted a message on social media criticizing FIFA's decision to overturn a red card involving U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, and celebrated their 4-1 win with a gesture referencing President Donald Trump.

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Trump says he prompted FIFA review of Balogun red card, cites final decision by FIFA
Trump says he prompted FIFA review of Balogun red card, cites final decision by FIFA

AP News • 07 Jul 02:05

President Donald Trump said he asked FIFA to review a red card given to U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, but affirmed he did not dictate the outcome, which was later overturned by FIFA.

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FIFA reverses USA forward Balogun's red card after President Trump intervenes
FIFA reverses USA forward Balogun's red card after President Trump intervenes

Al Jazeera • 07 Jul 01:48

FIFA annulled the suspension of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun following a phone call from President Donald Trump, prompting criticism from officials and experts who say the move undermines the sport's disciplinary process.

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July 06, 2026
9 total
Trump says he reviewed Balogun red-card incident and spoke with FIFA chief
Trump says he reviewed Balogun red-card incident and spoke with FIFA chief

CBS News • 06 Jul 22:39

President Donald Trump claimed he saw the play that led to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension, contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino and asked for a review, while FIFA said its disciplinary bodies act independently.

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FIFA lifts US striker Balogun's red-card ban after presidential request, sparking controversy
FIFA lifts US striker Balogun's red-card ban after presidential request, sparking controversy

Al Jazeera • 06 Jul 19:49

FIFA suspended the one-match ban for U.S. forward Folarin Balogun following a call from President Donald Trump, prompting criticism from Belgium, UEFA and former officials who say the move undermines tournament rules.

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FIFA Allows U.S. Striker Balogun to Play in Round of 16 Against Belgium
FIFA Allows U.S. Striker Balogun to Play in Round of 16 Against Belgium

NPR • 06 Jul 17:23

A FIFA disciplinary panel suspended the suspension of U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, permitting him to start the Round of 16 match versus Belgium, despite earlier controversy over his red card and a reported call between President Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

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Trump says he requested FIFA review of Balogun red card before reversal
Trump says he requested FIFA review of Balogun red card before reversal

NBC News • 06 Jul 16:33

President Donald Trump confirmed he asked FIFA to review U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's suspension, which was later overturned, allowing the player to compete in the match against Belgium.

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US President Contacts FIFA Over Folarin Balogun Red Card, Prompting Debate Among Soccer Fans
US President Contacts FIFA Over Folarin Balogun Red Card, Prompting Debate Among Soccer Fans

Sports Illustrated • 06 Jul 15:56

After a red card was issued to US forward Folarin Balogun, the president reportedly called FIFA to discuss his reinstatement, sparking discussion about officiating and perceived influence in the World Cup.

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Belgium Files Appeal Over FIFA's Reversal of Balogun Ban Ahead of World Cup Match
Belgium Files Appeal Over FIFA's Reversal of Balogun Ban Ahead of World Cup Match

The New York Times • 06 Jul 13:16

The Royal Belgian Football Association has lodged an appeal challenging FIFA's decision to suspend the one-match ban on U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, citing procedural concerns as the teams prepare for their round-of-16 clash.

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FIFA grants Belgium appeal over reversal of US forward Balogun's suspension
FIFA grants Belgium appeal over reversal of US forward Balogun's suspension

Yahoo Sports • 06 Jul 13:01

FIFA has allowed Belgium to appeal its decision to overturn a one-match ban for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, with submissions due before the Round of 16 match against the United States.

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FIFA lifts red-card suspension for U.S. striker Balogun ahead of Belgium match
FIFA lifts red-card suspension for U.S. striker Balogun ahead of Belgium match

CBS News • 06 Jul 02:37

FIFA’s disciplinary committee has removed the suspension of U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the World Cup knockout game against Belgium after a review prompted by a call from the White House.

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FIFA postpones U.S. striker Balogun's red-card suspension ahead of Belgium match
FIFA postpones U.S. striker Balogun's red-card suspension ahead of Belgium match

NPR • 06 Jul 01:38

FIFA's Disciplinary Committee placed a one-game suspension on U.S. forward Folarin Balogen on a one-year probationary basis, allowing him to play in the World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium.

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July 05, 2026
4 total
FIFA lifts red-card ban on U.S. striker Balogun after presidential intervention
FIFA lifts red-card ban on U.S. striker Balogun after presidential intervention

AP News • 05 Jul 23:04

FIFA suspended the one-match ban for American forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium, after U.S. President Donald Trump contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

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FIFA suspends red-card ban for US striker Folarin Balogun, making him eligible for Belgium match
FIFA suspends red-card ban for US striker Folarin Balogun, making him eligible for Belgium match

The New York Times • 05 Jul 16:58

FIFA has placed a one-year probation on the one-match suspension imposed on USMNT forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the round-of-16 game against Belgium.

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Balogun cleared to play for United States in World Cup round of 16
Balogun cleared to play for United States in World Cup round of 16

talkSPORT • 05 Jul 16:47

Forward Folarin Balogun will be eligible for the United States' round-of-16 match against Belgium after FIFA suspended his one-match ban.

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FIFA Allows US Forward Folarin Balogun to Play in Round of 16 vs. Belgium
FIFA Allows US Forward Folarin Balogun to Play in Round of 16 vs. Belgium

FOX Sports • 05 Jul 16:28

The governing body has cleared U.S. striker Folarin Balogun to participate in the World Cup knockout match against Belgium after overturning a red-card suspension.

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July 03, 2026
3 total
Balogun eligible for U.S. World Cup quarterfinal if team advances
Balogun eligible for U.S. World Cup quarterfinal if team advances

The New York Times • 03 Jul 22:14

U.S. Soccer says forward Folarin Balogun will be available for selection for a potential quarter-final match after serving the standard one-game suspension for his red card against Bosnia.

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Balogun Misses U.S. Round of 16 Match Against Belgium After Red Card
Balogun Misses U.S. Round of 16 Match Against Belgium After Red Card

FOX Sports • 03 Jul 17:47

Striker Folarin Balogun will sit out the United States' World Cup round of 16 game versus Belgium after receiving a red card, though he avoided a multi-game ban.

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Balogun's red-card suspension remains at one match, keeping him out of round-of-16
Balogun's red-card suspension remains at one match, keeping him out of round-of-16

USA Today • 03 Jul 17:37

FIFA's disciplinary committee upheld a single-match ban for Folarin Balogen after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, confirming his absence for the U.S. round-of-16 clash with Belgium.

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July 02, 2026
5 total
Balogun suspended for one match after red card in US win over Bosnia
Balogun suspended for one match after red card in US win over Bosnia

ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • 02 Jul 17:01

U.S. striker Folarin Balogun received a red card for serious foul play in the victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina and will miss the round-of-16 match against Belgium, with FIFA confirming the decision cannot be appealed.

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USA forward Balogun receives red card after VAR review in World Cup win over Bosnia
USA forward Balogun receives red card after VAR review in World Cup win over Bosnia

New York Post • 02 Jul 12:35

Folarin Balogen was sent off after video review for stepping on an opponent's leg during the United States' 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, prompting criticism of VAR consistency.

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Balogun to Miss U.S. World Cup Match After Red Card, Appeal Not Permitted
Balogun to Miss U.S. World Cup Match After Red Card, Appeal Not Permitted

Yahoo Sports • 02 Jul 03:20

U.S. forward Folarin Balogun will sit out the Round of 16 after a VAR-reviewed red card, and FIFA rules prevent any appeal of the suspension.

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US forward Balogun suspended after red card in World Cup round of 32
US forward Balogun suspended after red card in World Cup round of 32

The New York Times • 02 Jul 03:00

Folarin Balogun received a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia's Tarik Muharemovic and will miss the United States' last-16 match against Belgium, with no appeal permitted under FIFA rules.

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FIFA rules bar appeal of Balogun red card, US set to miss striker vs. Belgium
FIFA rules bar appeal of Balogun red card, US set to miss striker vs. Belgium

Yahoo Sports • 02 Jul 02:54

U.S. forward Folarin Balogun will miss the World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium after receiving a straight red card, as FIFA does not allow appeals of such decisions.

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