Folarin Balogun received a red card for stepping awkwardly on the right ankle of Tarik Muharemović of Bosnia-Herzegovina in a 2-0 round of 32 win on Wednesday, triggering an automatic one-game suspension. U.S. President Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino after the game asking FIFA review the red card, and then FIFA announced Sunday that the suspension had been lifted for the round of 16 match, an extraordinary move that triggered praise from Trump and outrage from Belgium's team. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
Trump and Infantino's relationship has been in the spotlight before. In August 2025, Trump met with Infantino in the Oval Office, holding the FIFA World Cup Winners Trophy. In 2018, Trump held up a red card during a meeting with Infantino. In December 2025, Infantino awarded Trump the FIFA Peace Prize. In June 2026, Infantino stood with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and FBI Director Kash Patel ahead of a World Cup group match between Colombia and Portugal.
Balogun's red card occurred in the 32nd minute of the match when he stepped on Muharemović's ankle while challenging for the ball. The referee sent him off directly. Trump contacted Infantino immediately after the game to explain the situation. FIFA's committee decided on Sunday to lift the suspension, sparking widespread debate in the global football community. The Belgian football federation protested, calling the decision unfair. U.S. President Trump, meanwhile, called the decision a "victory for justice."