US President Donald Trump has weighed in on a stunning development at the 2026 World Cup, as USMNT striker Folarin Balogun has been cleared to play in the highly anticipated round-of-16 match against Belgium.
Balogun was handed a controversial red card during the United States‘ round-of-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Under FIFA rules, he was set to serve an automatic one-game suspension, but football’s governing body has surprisingly decided to suspend the ban.
Trump, who was awarded the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize in history, commented on the decision this Sunday, July 5, posting on his Truth Social platform:
“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!”
USMNT Rely on Balogun’s Form
Through three World Cup matches, the young striker has been in sensational form, netting three goals and providing three assists, alongside picking up one yellow card and one red card.
The USMNT undoubtedly need the services of their star forward, as Mauricio Pochettino’s squad looks to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 24 years (since 2002).
