MIAMI — In an extraordinary and unprecedented intervention, FIFA has overturned Folarin Balogun's red card, clearing the US striker for Tuesday's World Cup last-16 clash against Belgium—following a direct phone call from US President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Balogun, who scored his third goal of the tournament in the United States' 2–0 victory over Bosnia, was shown a straight red card in the second half after a VAR review ruled he had planted his boot into the ankle of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic.
The 25-year-old forward—who has been instrumental to the US campaign—faced an automatic one-match suspension, which would have ruled him out of the knockout tie against Belgium.
But FIFA's disciplinary committee convened an emergency review and reversed the decision, citing insufficient evidence for a red-card offence. The ruling clears Balogun to feature in Miami, much to the relief of US coach Mauricio Pochettino, who had publicly argued the call was harsh.
"It was never a red card offence," Pochettino said after the Bosnia match. "We hoped common sense would prevail."
Trump's Call Raises Eyebrows
The timing and nature of the U-turn have drawn sharp scrutiny. According to a source briefed on the conversation, Trump personally called Infantino to request that FIFA review the sending-off—a move that breaks diplomatic protocol and raises questions about political influence over sporting decisions.
While the White House has not commented officially, the call is understood to have been cordial, with Trump emphasizing Balogun's importance to the tournament's narrative and the US team's momentum.
FIFA has insisted the decision was made purely on footballing grounds, with a spokesperson stating: "The disciplinary panel reviewed additional angles and determined the initial red card was an error. The protocol was followed."
A Major Boost for the US
Balogun's availability is a massive lift for the Americans, who face a formidable Belgium side led by Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. The Arsenal-born forward has been the focal point of the US attack, and his pace, hold-up play, and finishing will be critical against a Belgian defense that has looked vulnerable at times.
Without Balogun, Pochettino would have had to turn to Ricardo Pepi or Josh Sargent—both capable, but lacking Balogun's big-game experience and tournament sharpness.
The match is scheduled for Tuesday evening at Hard Rock Stadium, with a quarter-final spot against the winner of France vs. Portugal on the line.
Reaction and Fallout
The decision has split opinion across the football world. US fans and pundits have celebrated the reversal as justice served, while critics have decried what they see as undue political interference in the game.
Social media has erupted with debate, with some accusing FIFA of bending to political pressure—a charge the governing body has strongly denied.
For Balogun, the focus now shifts to the pitch. He has an opportunity to write his name into World Cup folklore—provided he can block out the noise and deliver when it matters most.