Trump confirms he asked FIFA to review Balogun red-card suspension, as Belgium beats USA 4-1 and challenges FIFA decision

President Donald Trump said he asked FIFA to review United States striker Folarin Balogun’s one-game suspension after the forward received a red card in the United States’ prior World Cup match. Trump’s confirmation came as the U.S. prepared for its Round of 16 matchup against Belgium, where Balogun ultimately started following FIFA’s decision to make him available to play.

Multiple outlets reported that FIFA’s disciplinary process reversed Balogun’s ban, effectively allowing him to take part despite the earlier red-card ruling. The BBC reported that Trump confirmed his involvement by saying he sought FIFA’s review, and other reports described the disciplinary committee’s action as leaving the player available for the Belgium match after reworking the suspension terms. The U.S. team’s selection followed the updated disciplinary posture, with Balogun named to the starting lineup.

The Belgium side, however, disputed the eligibility outcome and publicly challenged the procedure. A report describing Belgium’s reaction cited comments from Belgium’s football governing body indicating it had not received grounds or requested documentation for FIFA’s reversal, and that Belgium planned to contest eligibility if Balogun appeared on the referee’s team sheet.

After the match began, Belgium took control early, scoring first through Charles De Ketelaere. The U.S. fell further behind as Belgium added goals, culminating in a 4-1 victory. A separate report said Belgium added a fourth goal late, with the match finishing with the U.S. eliminated from the tournament’s remaining bracket and Belgium advancing.

In the aftermath, Belgium’s men’s national team’s official social media account posted a short message contesting the FIFA outcome. Reporting also described Belgium supporters as responding to the perceived dispute over the red-card reversal, with the Belgian federation repeating that it sought an explanation and supporting materials from FIFA.

While Trump’s comments and the FIFA disciplinary reversal raised questions about whether a political figure can influence an international sports body, the practical effect for the matchup was clear: Balogun was cleared to play and started. The controversy shifted from the field to the documentation and due-process questions Belgium said it was raising with FIFA.

The episode next turns on whether FIFA provides the materials Belgium says it requested and how FIFA’s disciplinary process is explained and defended in response to public challenges. For the U.S. team, the immediate impact was the availability of its striker for a knockout match that ended in defeat, while for Belgium the immediate focus remained the decision it said it believed violated FIFA regulations and lacked transparency.