Trump Thanks FIFA for Lifting Folarin Balogun World Cup Ban

President Donald Trump praised FIFA after the governing body lifted a World Cup suspension for U.S. star Folarin Balogun, clearing him to play Monday night in the Round of 16 against Belgium. Trump posted the message on Truth Social, calling the reversal of the punishment a correction of a “great injustice.” FIFA’s decision relied on a rarely used bylaw that cancels a red card issued in Balogun’s previous match, meaning he would have been ineligible without the change. The article also highlights the contrast between Trump’s stance on birthright citizenship and Balogun’s eligibility for the U.S. roster. Balogun’s mother, a British citizen, gave birth in New York in 2001 after being unable to fly back to the U.K. during pregnancy-related timing, and Balogun later chose to play for the United States after recruiting from the U.S., U.K., and Nigeria. The piece notes Trump has argued against birthright citizenship and recently reacted to a Supreme Court ruling.