FIFA Lifts Folarin Balogun's World Cup Ban After Trump’s Call

U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Sunday to request a review of the World Cup suspension imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun. According to a source familiar with the matter, the president’s appeal came after Balogun received a red card in the group‑stage match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which had triggered a one‑match ban that would have sidelined him for the U.S. team’s last‑16 clash with Belgium.

FIFA responded to the request by lifting the suspension, allowing Balogun to return to the pitch for the knockout match. The decision came after a review of the circumstances surrounding the red card, with officials concluding that the sanction was not warranted. The U.S. team will now face Belgium in the round of 16 with Balogun eligible to play.

The ruling comes at a critical juncture for the U.S. squad, which will rely on Balogun’s attacking threat in a high‑stakes encounter. The decision to overturn the ban has been welcomed by U.S. officials, who see it as a timely resolution that preserves the team’s competitive edge in the tournament’s final stages.