FIFA Lifts Suspension on Folarin Balogun Ahead of World Cup Match Against Belgium
FIFA has lifted the suspension of U.S. player Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium in the World Cup. This decision, following a call from President Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, has drawn criticism from Belgium and…
Miami Fort Lauderdale, FL, July 6, 2026 —
FIFA has rescinded the suspension of U.S. player Folarin Balogun, enabling him to participate in the upcoming World Cup match against Belgium. The decision comes after a communication involving President Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The lifting of Balogun’s ban has sparked controversy, drawing criticism from the Belgian contingent and other parties who have raised concerns about the integrity of the sport. These criticisms stem from the circumstances surrounding Balogun’s initial suspension.
Balogun was initially given a red card during a previous match for an incident where he stepped on an opponent’s ankle. The U.S. coach characterized the event as a “great injustice” and “completely unfair,” suggesting the severity of the penalty was disproportionate to the action.
The specifics of the conversation between President Trump and FIFA president Infantino, and its direct influence on the decision, have not been fully detailed. Similarly, the exact nature of the concerns raised by Belgium and other critics regarding the game’s integrity have not been explicitly stated in the provided information.
Further details regarding the timeline of the decision and the official reasoning provided by FIFA are pending. The U.S. coach’s commentary highlights a differing perspective on the on-field incident that led to Balogun’s suspension.
Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.
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