Trump Thanks FIFA For Suspending USA’s Balogun World Cup Red Card

United States President Donald Trump has welcomed FIFA’s decision to suspend the one-match ban imposed on USA striker Folarin Balogun, clearing him to feature in his country’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium.

Balogun had been expected to miss Monday’s knockout fixture after receiving a straight red card during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32.

The striker was dismissed for stepping on the foot of Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic, an offence that initially attracted an automatic one-match suspension.

However, FIFA announced on Sunday that the implementation of the suspension had been deferred for a one-year probationary period under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

Reacting to the decision, President Trump expressed appreciation to football’s governing body.

“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Balogun has been one of the United States’ standout performers at the tournament, and his availability is expected to strengthen the team’s chances against Belgium in the highly anticipated knockout encounter.

In its statement, FIFA said the suspension would remain inactive during the probationary period unless the player commits another offence of a similar nature and severity.

The governing body explained that any similar disciplinary breach within the one-year period would automatically trigger the enforcement of the original suspension in addition to any fresh sanction.

The decision follows calls from senior United States officials for a review of the dismissal, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly urging FIFA to rescind the red card after the match.

The United States will now head into the Round of 16 with Balogun available for selection as they seek to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.