Trump’s FIFA Intervention Comes With 1 Very Awkward Twist

Trump Requests FIFA Review of Red Card for U.S. Forward Folarin Balogun

Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red-card suspension issued to U.S. forward Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup. The one-match ban was overturned before the round-of-16 match against Belgium.

Balogun received the red card in the group-stage win over Bosnia-Herzegovina. FIFA rules impose an automatic suspension for such dismissals. After the decision, Trump spoke with Infantino, according to reports. FIFA announced on July 5 that the suspension had been lifted, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium.

Trump posted on Truth Social: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Balogun, who plays for AS Monaco in France’s Ligue 1, had scored in earlier matches for the U.S. team.

Balogun holds U.S. citizenship by birth. He was born in Brooklyn in 2001 after his British mother was denied boarding on a flight to the United Kingdom because she was close to delivery. She gave birth in New York while visiting on a tourist trip. Under the Fourteenth Amendment, individuals born on U.S. soil are citizens regardless of their parents’ immigration status at the time.

Trump has sought to limit birthright citizenship through executive action. His most recent order, issued earlier in 2026, directed federal agencies to deny citizenship to children born in the United States to parents who were present illegally or on temporary visas. The Supreme Court blocked implementation of that order last week.

Balogun’s mother entered the country legally as a short-term visitor. The circumstances of his birth therefore fall outside the categories addressed by the 2026 executive order. Legal analysts have noted that the order would not have altered Balogun’s citizenship status.

Social media users highlighted the contrast between Trump’s long-standing opposition to birthright citizenship and his intervention on behalf of the U.S. player. Posts from accounts including Harry Sisson, Julia Ioffe, and others described the situation as ironic, arguing that Balogun benefits from the constitutional provision Trump has sought to narrow. Some commenters suggested the assistance showed selective application of the policy.

Other observers pointed out that the specific facts of Balogun’s case—birth to a legal visitor—differ from the groups targeted by the executive order. The distinction has been cited in discussions separating the general debate over birthright citizenship from the individual player’s eligibility.

The U.S. team advanced from the group stage and prepared to face Belgium with Balogun available. FIFA’s decision to overturn the suspension followed the standard review process after the initial contact from Trump. No further statements from Infantino or FIFA detailed the internal deliberations.

Balogun has represented the United States at senior level since switching from England youth teams. He grew up primarily in England after the first months of his life in New York. His club career has been based in Europe.

The episode occurred during the expanded 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Matches involving the U.S. team have drawn significant domestic attention.