FIFA World Cup 2026: Trump thanks FIFA after Balogun cleared to play for US in RO16 clash against Belgium
Washington DC, July 6
US President Donald Trump welcomed FIFA's decision to make striker Folarin Balogun available for the co-hosts' FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 clash against Belgium, thanking world football's governing body after the suspension was lifted.
Reacting shortly after FIFA confirmed its decision, Trump wrote on Truth Social, "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!."
The development came after the FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced on Sunday that the automatic one-match suspension triggered by Balogun's red card had been suspended, allowing the forward to feature in Monday's knockout encounter at Seattle Stadium.
In its statement, the committee said, "By operation of Article 27 FDC, the implementation of the automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year."
Balogun had been sent off in the 64th minute of the United States' 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. Despite being reduced to 10 men, the co-hosts held on to secure their place in the last 16.
The decision comes as a significant boost for head coach Mauricio Pochettino, with Balogun emerging as one of the USA's standout performers at the tournament. The 25-year-old New York-born striker has already scored three goals in the World Cup and is expected to lead the line against Belgium.
The availability of Balogun strengthens the United States' hopes of reaching the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since the 2002 tournament in Korea and Japan.
Their upcoming opponents, Belgium, also carry historical significance for the Americans. The two sides last met in the World Cup in the Round of 16 at Brazil 2014, where Belgium claimed a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory despite an extraordinary display by USA goalkeeper Tim Howard, whose 16 saves remain one of the most memorable individual performances in World Cup history.
With Balogun now eligible to play, the United States will head into Monday's knockout clash with renewed confidence as they seek to rewrite history and secure a long-awaited place in the final eight.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian football fan, I can't help but admire how the US manages to push through decisions like this. Meanwhile, our national team struggles just to get a friendly match against top sides. Balogun is a great talent though, hope he delivers! ⚽
This reeks of special treatment for the host nation. Red cards are supposed to have consequences, not be overturned because of political pressure. FIFA's credibility takes another hit here. Belgium have every right to be furious.
Trump thanking FIFA on Truth Social is peak America. But honestly, if Balogun can help the US finally reach a quarter-final after 24 years, it's good for the sport's growth there. India could learn from how they nurture talent from diverse backgrounds.
What's next, a phone call to the referee? 🤡 The rules are bent for the powerful. But I won't lie, watching the US do well could inspire more kids back home in India to take up football seriously. Let's hope Balogun proves his worth against Belgium.
I'm seeing double standards here. If this were a smaller nation, would FIFA have been so quick to suspend the suspension? The game needs consistency, not political intervention. Still, kudos to Balogun for his form—three goals is impressive.
S We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.