FIFA Reverses, Delays Ban on U.S. Striker Balogun

2026-07-05

FIFA Suspends Balogun Ban, Favouring U.S.

Suspension unexpectedly put on hold

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) said on the 5th that it would allow a U.S. player, who had been suspended for the next match at the North and Central America tournament of the soccer World Cup (World Cup), to play. The decision favoured the host nation, the United States, and U.S. President Trump expressed his gratitude in a post on social media.

One-year reprieve from red card punishment

The player in question was U.S. forward Balogun. He had been sent off after stepping on an opposing player's foot in the round of 16 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was to be automatically suspended for the next match against Belgium on the 6th, with a place in the quarterfinals at stake, but FIFA placed a one-year reprieve on the punishment.

Did Trump seek a review?

Trump posted on his social media on the 5th, saying, 'Thank you to FIFA for doing the right thing and correcting a major injustice'. The New York Times reported the same day that, before FIFA's decision, Trump had asked FIFA President Infantino to review the punishment. It said he made a call on the 1st, the day the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina was held.

Belgium expresses surprise

Balogun had scored a team-high three goals so far, and his absence had been seen as a blow to the United States. While he will now be available, the Belgian football association said in a statement on the 5th that it was 'very surprised by FIFA's decision'.

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