2026 World Cup: I Personally Called FIFA President Over Balogun Red Card — Trump

United States President Donald Trump has confirmed that he personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card shown to United States striker Folarin Balogun during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Trump made the disclosure on Monday while speaking to reporters at the White House, days after FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee suspended the enforcement of Balogun’s automatic one-match ban under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, making the forward eligible for the United States’ Round of 16 fixture.

The decision has generated widespread debate across the football world, with several national teams, coaches and former players questioning FIFA’s handling of the disciplinary process.

Explaining his involvement, Trump insisted he did not pressure FIFA to overturn the sanction but merely requested that the incident be reviewed.

“I asked for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul,” Trump said.

“All I did was ask for a review. I didn’t say you have to do this.”

The US President also questioned the performance of Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, who showed Balogun a straight red card following a Video Assistant Referee review during the United States’ victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Trump suggested the referee’s past decisions should be examined but stopped short of making any direct allegations.

“This referee is a little bit suspect if you check his past,” he said.

“I don’t want to say that because I don’t like to create controversy, but very suspect.”

Balogun was dismissed after VAR determined that he had stepped on the ankle of an opposing player during a challenge.

The incident immediately divided opinion, with several football analysts and former referees arguing that the punishment was excessive.

FIFA later announced that the implementation of Balogun’s mandatory one-match suspension had been suspended for a probationary period, allowing him to remain available for selection.

The decision has attracted criticism from Belgium, France, Norway and several prominent football figures, who argue that it could undermine confidence in football’s disciplinary system and create uncertainty over the consistent application of FIFA’s rules throughout the remainder of the tournament.