Trump Reacts to FIFA's Stunning Folarin Balogun Ruling

Trump reacts to FIFA’s stunning decision on Folarin Balogun after the U.S. faced uncertainty over his availability for the World Cup Round of 16. FIFA suspended the implementation of Balogun’s automatic one-match ban, making him available for Monday’s match against Belgium. The ruling quickly rippled beyond the locker room, reshaping U.S. preparations and drawing public attention from President Donald Trump and the White House. The White House reposted an ESPN report on X announcing Balogun’s availability with the message “USA-USA-USA.” Trump wrote: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” and added his name and title. The disciplinary trigger was a straight red card after a review of a challenge on defender Tarik Muharemovic in the 64th minute of the U.S.’s 2-0 Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Athletic said FIFA’s code allows a disciplinary body to fully or partially suspend sanctions, with probationary risks if another similar offense occurs.