Former President Donald Trump personally intervened with FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding a red card suspension for U.S. forward Folarin Balogun. Following Trump's call, FIFA announced on Sunday that Balogun's one-match ban had been suspended for one year.
Trump announced the outcome on social media, stating, "Thank you to Fifa for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP." The U.S. team did not appeal the red card decision.
Balogun received the red card in the 61st minute of the U.S.'s Round of 32 World Cup match against Bosnia on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The infraction occurred when Balogun collided with Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic while challenging for the ball, causing Muharemovic's ankle to buckle. Referee Raphael Claus issued the red card based on a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review. ESPN noted that the VAR decision was made using slow-motion and still replays, which deviates from standard VAR protocols for red card situations that emphasize point-of-contact analysis.
FIFA's decision to suspend the ban came four days after the match and 24 hours before the U.S. was set to face Belgium in the Round of 16 on Monday night. Belgium was granted the right to appeal FIFA's decision.
England legend Wayne Rooney criticized FIFA's handling of the situation. "I think it's an absolute disgrace," Rooney said during BBC's coverage of England's match on Sunday. He drew a parallel to his own experience with a three-game ban before Euro 2012, which was reduced after he agreed to a training session with children. "But for this to be suspended? They either take the red card away, which I think was probably the right decision and then he can play. But to suspend it for a year I think is an absolute disgrace and [FIFA president Gianni] Infantino should be ashamed of this because I think for the sportsmanship of this game is in question here. If I’m the USA’s opponent I’d be absolutely fuming. I think it’s wrong in every way. I think it’s an absolute disgrace."
The governing body did not provide an explanation for its decision to suspend the ban.