United States striker Folarin Balogun will be eligible to face Belgium in the World Cup round of 16 after FIFA suspended the implementation of his one-match ban following an intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to a Reuters report.
The European Commission called for “fair play and transparent competition” in sport after the suspension of Folarin Balogun was overturned following a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino.
The Commission did not directly accuse either side of wrongdoing but stressed the importance of independent decision-making and transparency in sporting governance.
Balogun had been expected to miss the knockout match after receiving a red card in the United States' 2-0 victory over Bosnia. The Arsenal forward was sent off following a VAR review after a challenge on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemovic.
However, a source briefed on the matter told Reuters that Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked the world football governing body to review the decision.
Shortly afterwards, FIFA announced that while the red card would stand, the automatic suspension would be suspended, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium.
In a statement, FIFA said the suspension had been halted under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
"In line with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year," FIFA said.
The governing body added that if Balogun commits another offence of a similar nature and seriousness during that period, the suspension could be reinstated in addition to any new disciplinary measures.
The decision effectively removes the immediate punishment while preserving the original red card.
Trump welcomed the outcome in a post on Truth Social.
"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice," the president wrote.
The incident is likely to raise questions about political influence in football governance, given the unusual circumstances surrounding the reversal of an automatic World Cup suspension.
The Royal Belgian Football Association reacted sharply to the decision, saying it was "astonished" that Balogun had been declared eligible for the match.
Belgian officials argued that FIFA regulations clearly state that a player sent off with a red card is automatically suspended for the team's next match.
The federation cited provisions in both FIFA's disciplinary code and World Cup regulations and said it was examining all available options in response to the ruling.
Members of the U.S. squad said they learned of Balogun's reinstatement through social media while travelling to training.
"We found out about it just coming over here," forward Christian Pulisic told reporters.
"At first, you're like, 'Oh really, is this real?' And then 'Oh, this is great news'."
Balogun has emerged as one of the United States' most important players at the tournament, scoring three goals, including one in the win over Bosnia.
His availability provides a significant boost for coach Mauricio Pochettino's side ahead of their last-16 meeting with Belgium.
While FIFA insisted the red card remains in force, the decision to suspend the ban following Trump's reported appeal marks one of the most unusual disciplinary interventions of the 2026 World Cup and is likely to attract scrutiny from both supporters and rival teams.
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