FIFA · USA · team (фифа · сша · сборная)
US President Donald Trump called FIFA on Sunday, July 5, to suspend the red card of American striker Folakin Balogun, who was awarded as the tournament's top scorer at the 2026 World Cup.
Consensus
- Folashade Balogun received a red card during a World Cup 2026 qualifying match between the U.S. and Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, 2025.
- Balogun was removed for a foul involving stepping on an opponent's ankle.
- The red card was suspended by FIFA on July 5, 2025, allowing him to play in the round-of-16 match against Belgium.
- President Donald Trump contacted FIFA regarding this decision and thanked them publicly.
- The match between the U.S. and Belgium is scheduled for July 6 or 7, 2025.
Points of divergence
- Trump thanked FIFA in Truth Social for correcting an egregious injustice — vesti
- Trump personally called the leadership of FIFA to request a review of Balogun's punishment — kommersant
- Trump called FIFA on July 5, 2025, specifically to suspend the red card — vm
- The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) was surprised by FIFA's decision and believes it contradicts World Cup regulations — vesti
- The RBFA expressed surprise at the decision and said it directly contradicted tournament rules that prohibit players with red cards from playing in their next match — kommersant
Coverage (3 sources)
Key entities