Trump says World Cup referee's red card call was 'horrible' but insists he left outcome to FIFA

World Cup referee controversies remained the focal point as President Donald Trump said a red card call against Folarin Balogun was “horrible,” while insisting he only pushed for a FIFA review. Trump said he contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked for a second look at the punishment after Balogun received a red card in the United States’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Santa Clara, California, last week. FIFA lifted Balogun’s mandatory one-game ban, allowing him to play the Round of 16 against Belgium in Seattle on Monday. Belgium then won 4-1, eliminating the U.S. Team.

Trump praised FIFA for suspending the ban and argued the red card assessment and video review could misrepresent fast plays. He also said he did not initially understand red-card consequences until learning they would bench Balogun for one match. Infantino defended FIFA’s disciplinary independence on X, citing an ongoing legal process. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz credited Trump for removing the “ridiculous” red card. International sports groups had criticized FIFA’s move, with UEFA calling it “incomprehensible and unjustifiable.”