FIFA has suspended the automatic red-card ban for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, clearing him to play in the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium. The decision follows an unprecedented intervention by President Donald Trump, who personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of what he called a "horrible" call. Trump argued that the incident during the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, where Balogun was sent off for treading on defender Tarik Muharemovic, was simply a collision between two athletes rather than a foul.
FIFA cited Article 27 of its disciplinary code, which allows a suspension to be suspended for a probationary period of one year, to justify the reversal. President Infantino stated that he explained to Trump that the case would be decided by FIFA’s independent judicial bodies. While Trump thanked the organization for reversing a "great injustice" and ensuring the tournament remained fair, he insisted he did not pressure the governing body to overturn the sanction.
The Royal Belgian Football Association reacted with shock and anger, describing the decision as "astonishing" and a "blatant violation" of the basic rules of football. Belgium coach Rudi Garcia criticized the move as being against the spirit of the game. Despite these objections, FIFA rejected Belgium's appeals and requests for a formal explanation of the decision, ruling them as inadmissible.
With the suspension lifted, Balogun, the team's leading scorer with three goals, is set to start the match in Seattle alongside Christian Pulisic. U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino has selected Matt Freese to start in goal, while Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Jeremy Doku will start the game on the bench.