Trump hails FIFA for suspending Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban

United States President Donald Trump has expressed gratitude to FIFA for suspending Folarin Balogun‘s one-match ban, allowing the striker to feature in the USA’s FIFA 2026 World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium.

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

The Monaco forward was dismissed for stepping on the foot of defender Tarik Muharemović while contesting for the ball.

Read Also: FIFA clears Folarin Balogun for USA World Cup clash against Belgium

Under FIFA regulations, a straight red card carries an automatic one-match suspension, which is typically not subject to appeal.

However, in a surprise decision on Sunday, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee suspended the sanction for a one-year probationary period, allowing Balogun to face Belgium. The governing body did not provide a detailed explanation for the ruling.

Trump praises FIFA decision

Reacting to the development, Trump welcomed FIFA’s intervention, describing the original suspension as unfair.

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

Major boost for USA

Balogun has been instrumental in the United States’ run at the expanded 2026 World Cup, scoring three goals, including a brace in the opening victory over Paraguay.

His availability comes as a major boost for head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who had strongly criticised the dismissal.

Pochettino insisted Balogun “should never” have been sent off, arguing that the striker was simply “fighting for the ball” and that the contact with Muharemović was accidental.

Before FIFA’s decision, the Argentine coach had said he would have to consider “different options” in attack after being informed that the automatic suspension could not be appealed.

Balogun had also accepted his fate, telling reporters on Friday that the ban was “something I have to just accept” while pledging to support his teammates from the stands.