President Donald Trump confirmed he asked FIFA boss Gianni Infantino to review the "horrible" decision to hand a red card to star US striker Folarin Balogun but said he did not request it be overturned. Belgium, who the US will be playing in the quarterfinal, have called the decision 'incomprehensible' and a 'a blatant violation of the most basic rules of football and sport'. FRANCE 24's Selina Sykes tells us more and whether this could change Belgium's chance of winning.
Trump confirms call at centre of red card controversy 'with massive political consequences'
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Story Timeline
Sun 19:35 - CNBC
Belgium set to appeal as FIFA reverses Balogun's World Cup suspension after Trump reportedly intervenes - CNBC
Sun 19:35 - CNBC
Belgium challenges Balogun eligibility for World Cup game after Trump intervention - CNBC
Sun 20:55 - Yahoo Sports
2026 World Cup: USMNT striker Folarin Balogun available vs. Belgium after red-card ban suspended following President Trump's reported call to FIFA - Yahoo Sports
Sun 21:02 - Washington Examiner
Trump called FIFA president to reverse Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban
Sun 22:01 - DW All
World Cup: Trump thanks FIFA for suspending Balogun's red card ban
Sun 22:01 - DW Top
World Cup: Trump thanks FIFA for suspending Balogun's red card ban
Mon 04:15 - Politico
Inside the White House push to get Folarin Balogun back on the field - Live Updates - Politico
Mon 05:00 - The Guardian
World Cup 2026: Trump admits lobbying Fifa over Balogun; Henderson out of tournament as England set up Norway quarter-final – live - The Guardian
Mon 05:38 - The New York Times
Trump Asked FIFA to Review U.S. Player’s Suspension. Now He’s Eligible to Play. - The New York Times
Mon 05:46 - Washington Examiner
European soccer leaders to back Belgium after FIFA reversed one-game ban: Report
Mon 06:41 - Politico EU
Inside the White House push to get Folarin Balogun back on the field
Mon 07:09 - Euronews
'The Trump Card': Reactions and viral memes to FIFA’s controversial US red card reversal
Mon 08:36 - BBC Headlines
Uefa says 'integrity of game at stake' after Fifa's decision to overturn US star's red card ban
Mon 09:00 - The Guardian
Unwelcome and undue: Trump’s red-card intervention hurts the US’s World Cup more than it helps - The Guardian
Mon 09:22 - France 24
Belgium granted right to appeal FIFA's Balogun decision
Mon 09:48 - Reuters
Trump intervention causes World Cup storm as FIFA clears US striker Balogun to face Belgium - Reuters
Mon 10:05 - El Mundo (ES)
UEFA accuses FIFA of "crossing a red line" by suspending the sanction for Balogun's red card
Mon 10:07 - Fox News
Belgium makes move after USA World Cup star's red card suspension was lifted: report
Mon 10:26 - NewsNation
FIFA lifts US star striker Balogun’s red card suspension at World Cup after Trump calls - NewsNation
Mon 10:28 - Fox News
UEFA issues blistering statement over FIFA's Folarin Balogun's decision
Mon 10:29 - the-independent.com
A ‘lose-lose’ situation? Americans fear Trump’s red card interference on Folarin Balogun could ruin World Cup run - the-independent.com
Mon 10:58 - DW All
World Cup 2026: Trump, FIFA and the Balogun controversy
Mon 10:58 - DW Top
World Cup 2026: Trump, FIFA and the Balogun controversy
Mon 11:25 - The Guardian
Explained: Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red-card reversal, Trump’s phone calls and Fifa’s rationale - The Guardian
Mon 11:49 - Al Jazeera English
Why FIFA’s Balogun red card suspension after Trump call is so controversial
Mon 12:00 - Politico EU
EU calls for ‘fair play’ after Trump’s red card intervention rocks World Cup
Mon 12:21 - The Hill
European soccer body: FIFA reversal after Trump call 'incomprehensible'
Mon 13:03 - The Hill
Live updates: FIFA-Trump discussion on Folarin Balogun stirs World Cup controversy - The Hill
Mon 13:03 - The Hill
Live updates: Folarin Balogun red card controversy stirs World Cup battle; Trump rings markets' opening bell from Oval Office
Mon 13:11 - The Hill
FOR INSIDERS | McConnell's health triggers speculation; FIFA's Balogun decision stirs controversy: Join the live discussion
Mon 13:30 - Al Jazeera
Why FIFA’s Balogun red card suspension after Trump call is so controversial - Al Jazeera
Mon 13:30 - Euronews
'Not normal': Belgian fans react to FIFA's Balogun red-card U-turn
Mon 13:35 - The Washington Post
Trump urged FIFA to review Balogun’s suspension before star was cleared for World Cup - The Washington Post
Mon 14:39 - BBC
Donald Trump: Folarin Balogun suspension would have left 'big stain' on World Cup - BBC
Mon 15:04 - The Hill
Trump rips 'a little bit suspect' FIFA referee who gave Balogun a red card at World Cup
Mon 15:21 - France 24
Trump confirms call at centre of red card controversy 'with massive political consequences'
Mon 16:04 - The Hill
Trump didn't know what a red card was before Balogun incident