FIFA Clears Balogun After Trump Call to Infantino

The US plays Belgium today in a World Cup Round of 16 match — the biggest US soccer moment in years — with a presidential intervention in FIFA governance creating a major diplomatic and sporting controversy that crosses politics, sports, and international relations.

The Morning Brief · July 6, 2026 · Based on reporting by Axios

FIFA has lifted U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension, clearing him to play in today's World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium. The reversal came after President Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino about the suspension, Axios reported. The striker received the card during last week's match.

European soccer's governing body UEFA condemned the decision as "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable," the latest organization to criticize the reversal. The dispute places FIFA's disciplinary process under scrutiny hours before a major knockout match.

Balogun is expected to start against Belgium as the U.S. pursues its first World Cup quarterfinal in 24 years. CBS Sports experts call the game a high-stakes rematch.

Sources

Axios — Trump called FIFA's Infantino over Balogun suspension
President Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino about U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's controversial red card and resulting suspension before the governing body lifted the ban.
Read at Axios →
NPR News — The U.S. faces Belgium in the World Cup on the heels of Trump-Infantino red card call
The U.S. striker Folarin Balogun is expected to start against Belgium in a Round of 16 match after a surprise decision by FIFA to allow him to play despite receiving a red card last week.
Read at NPR News →
Deadline — UEFA Rips FIFA's Decision To Suspend USMNT's Folarin Balogun Red Card As 'Unprecedented, Incomprehensible And Unjustifiable'
European soccer body UEFA is the latest to weigh in on FIFA's controversial decision to overturn U.S. soccer star Folarin Balogun's red card suspension.
Read at Deadline →
CBS Sports — USMNT vs. Belgium expert predictions, World Cup picks
With Folarin Balogun cleared to play, the U.S. aim for their first quarterfinal in 24 years in a high-stakes rematch against Belgium.
Read at CBS Sports →

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