One of the few certainties of World Cup football has been rocked after Donald Trump lobbied FIFA to overturn a US red card suspension. The decision has caused outrage but it isn't completely without precedent.
World Cup 2026: Trump, FIFA and the Balogun controversy
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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 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 05:38 - 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 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 10:07 - 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