SEATTLE — President Donald Trump is drawing international attention after FIFA reversed the automatic suspension of U.S. Men’s National Team striker Folarin Balogun just hours before the Americans take the field Monday night against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
The decision, which allows the United States’ leading scorer to play in one of the biggest matches in the program’s history, has ignited criticism from international soccer officials, pundits, and the Belgian Football Association, with some questioning whether politics has influenced the world’s most prestigious sporting event.
According to reports, Trump personally contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino three times beginning last Wednesday, urging him to review Balogun’s automatic one-match suspension after the striker received a red card during the United States’ match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
On Sunday, FIFA announced it had suspended enforcement of Balogun’s ban under Article 27 of its disciplinary code, placing the punishment on probation for one year and making the striker immediately eligible for Monday night’s knockout match.
The move is being described as unprecedented. Reports indicate it is the first time since 1962 that a player sent off during a World Cup has avoided serving the tournament’s mandatory automatic suspension.
The Royal Belgian Football Association responded by saying it was “astonished” by FIFA’s decision and is exploring a legal challenge through the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Former players and soccer analysts have also criticized the ruling, arguing it risks undermining confidence in FIFA’s disciplinary process and the integrity of the World Cup.
Trump, meanwhile, celebrated the outcome on Truth Social.
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” the president wrote following Sunday’s announcement.
The controversy now shifts to the field, where the United States faces Belgium with a place in the World Cup quarterfinals on the line.
Balogun’s availability provides a significant boost for head coach Mauricio Pochettino. The striker has scored three goals during the tournament and enters the match as the Americans’ leading scorer, allowing the United States to field its preferred starting lineup.
The stakes are significant.
A victory would send the United States into the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for only the second time in the modern era and would represent one of the biggest accomplishments in recent U.S. soccer history.
Monday night’s matchup also renews a familiar World Cup rivalry. Belgium defeated the United States 2-1 in extra time during the Round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup, despite an unforgettable performance by American goalkeeper Tim Howard, who recorded 16 saves in the loss.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern at Seattle Stadium. The match will be televised nationally on FOX and Telemundo, with streaming available on Peacock and Fubo.
Regardless of the outcome, Monday night’s contest will now be remembered for more than what happens on the pitch. FIFA’s extraordinary decision to reinstate Balogun has created one of the most controversial moments in modern World Cup history, placing the organization’s disciplinary process under intense international scrutiny just hours before one of the tournament’s marquee knockout matches.
From what I saw of the replay of the original offense it looked like the contact was not intentional and probably been a yellow card. I even wondered if the harsh penalty was in itself political knowing how unpopular the US is with the global elites. But I admit I’m no soccer expert, I did play some in high school but that was a long time ago. Anyway I’m glad the US will be on a level playing field for tonight’s match.