World Cup 2026: England set up Norway quarter-final after Mexico thriller; Trump lobbied for Balogun red-card reversal – live

In a shocking turn of events, the FIFA disciplinary committee has made a surprise U-turn on the suspension of England striker, Folarin Balogun, after a red card in the team's win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The decision has left the Belgian FA and many in the football world astonished, particularly given the involvement of former US President Donald Trump in the matter. According to sources, Trump made three phone calls to FIFA, starting from Wednesday, to lobby for the reversal of Balogun's suspension.

The news comes as a significant boost to England's chances in the World Cup, as Balogun is now free to play in their last-16 game against Belgium. The striker's suspension had sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the fairness of the initial decision. The intervention of Trump, however, has sparked concerns about the influence of politics on international football decisions. The Belgian FA has expressed its disappointment with the decision, and it remains to be seen how this development will impact the highly anticipated match between the two teams.

The controversy surrounding Balogun's suspension has dominated the headlines ahead of the crucial match, with many fans and pundits eagerly awaiting the outcome. With Balogun's return to the starting lineup, England's chances of advancing to the next round have been significantly enhanced. The match against Belgium is set to be a highly intense and closely watched encounter, and the inclusion of Balogun is likely to play a significant role in determining the outcome.