Trump called Infantino over Balogun red card, FIFA clears striker

President Donald Trump has intervened in Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red card controversy, urging FIFA President Gianni Infantino to seek a review of the controversial decision regarding the Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, a source confirmed to Fox News.

It is not known exactly what Trump said to Infantino, whom the 45th and 47th presidents described as a “great leader in sports” and a friend.

In a surprising turn of events, the USMNT forward, who had three goals this World Cup, including a goal before his red card in the Round of 32 match, was allowed to play.

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AthleticThe newspaper, which first reported Balogun’s game status on Sunday, noted that FIFA’s disciplinary regulations state that “the judicial body may decide to suspend the implementation of disciplinary punishment in whole or in part.”

The rule states, “If the person benefiting from a postponed sanction commits another violation of similar nature and severity during the trial period, the restraining order is lifted by the judicial body and the sanction is imposed, without prejudice to the additional sanction applied for the new violation.”

FIFA HAS MADE IT’S FINAL DECISION ON US FOOTBALL STAR FOLAMA BALOGUN’S CONtroversial RED CARD PENALTY

FIFA confirmed Balogun’s suspension was a one-year probationary period.

“We accept the Disciplinary Committee’s decision and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is available to compete tomorrow,” US Soccer said. “Our full attention is focused on our Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle and we look forward to the continued support of our fantastic fans.”

Folarin Balogun scored two goals in his first World Cup match for the USA. (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Belgium, who narrowly escaped Senegal in the Round of 32, were “stunned” by FIFA’s decision to grant Balogun the right to play on Monday night. The Royal Belgian Football Association said it would “explore all potential options” to reverse the decision against Balogun.

Team USA manager Mauricio Pochettino and his staff were thinking about how to move Balogun to the top of their lineup, but that’s all changed now, allowing them to round out their regular starting 11 against a tough Belgium team.

Trump and Infantino will be together at the New York/New Jersey Stadium on July 19 for the World Cup Final as the USMNT hopes to beat Belgium and other opponents advancing. Just like last year’s FIFA Club World Cup Final, Trump will hand out the World Cup trophy on the field to the captain of the winning team, Infantino said on “Fox & Friends.”

President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney take a selfie with FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC on December 5, 2025. (Hector Vivas/FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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If the USMNT defeats Belgium on Monday night, they will become the second team in the country’s history to advance to the quarterfinals. If they can handle Belgium first, they will also face the winner of Portugal and Spain.

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.