Trump Call to FIFA Lifted Balogun Ban Before US 4-1 Belgium Exit

The United States men's national team exited the 2026 World Cup in the round of 16 after a 4-1 loss to Belgium on July 6 in Seattle, one day after FIFA suspended the automatic one-match ban that had followed Folarin Balogun's red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. President Donald Trump stated on July 6 that he had placed three calls to FIFA president Gianni Infantino requesting a review of the suspension, which stemmed from contact with an opponent's ankle during the group-stage match. FIFA's disciplinary committee applied its procedures under Article 27 to convert the ban into a one-year probationary period, allowing the 25-year-old striker to start against Belgium.

Belgium took the lead in the ninth minute when Charles De Ketelaere finished a cross after American defenders failed to clear. Malik Tillman equalized with a free kick in the 31st minute, but De Ketelaere scored again two minutes later. Goalkeeper Matt Freese's error outside the box led to Hans Vanaken's goal that made the score 3-1 in the 57th minute. Romelu Lukaku added a fourth in stoppage time. Balogun started and played most of the match but recorded no goals or assists.

US players and coach Mauricio Pochettino stated after the match that external events had not affected preparation or performance. Defender Chris Richards said the team placed pressure only on itself. Belgium midfielder Nicolas Raskin and captain Youri Tielemans said the reversal created a sense of injustice that motivated their side. Several Belgian players performed a hip-swaying arm-pump gesture associated with Trump after the fourth goal, and the team's Instagram account posted an image of Lukaku with the caption "Overturn this."

UEFA issued a statement saying the decision undermined the integrity of the competition and crossed a red line. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter said red cards are overturned by rules, evidence, and independent bodies, not political phone calls. The Royal Belgian Football Association had expressed astonishment and considered options to contest eligibility. Trump said he sought only a review and did not direct the outcome, adding that the original ban would have left a stain on the tournament.

Balogun told reporters he accepted both the initial red card and the later reversal without personal involvement in the process. He noted the decision was expected to generate controversy. The United States has now failed to reach the quarterfinals in four of its last five World Cup appearances.