For a while it appeared that football had taken over politics in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup. Cape Verde beat world champions Argentina, Paraguay beat Germany and Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe were fighting for the top scorer’s Golden Boot – the focus was on the pitch.
But just before Norway beat Brazil and England beat co-host Mexico in one of the best games of the tournament, Donald Trump put his thumb on the World Cup scale. Reports from multiple sources say the US President actually lobbied to have the red card suspension of his country’s top scorer Folarin Balogun overturned.
He was successful, with FIFA tearing up the rule book that bans red card appeals and saying “The automatic match suspension for USA player Folarin Balogun is suspended for a probationary period of one (1) year.” FIFA cited Article 27, a broad piece of legislation that allows them to “suspend, in whole or in part, the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”
The decision was announced more than 48 hours before the United States was to face Belgium in the quarterfinals, and Trump celebrated with a post on his Truth social platform that read: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right and overturning a huge injustice!”
The close relationship between Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who created the FIFA Peace Prize to award to Trump in December, has faced considerable scrutiny in the build-up to the tournament and will now come under the microscope again.
What has been the reaction of the US and Belgium to the Balogun decision?
As you might expect, Belgium is not happy. The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) responded with a strong statement of condemnation, saying they were “appalled” by the decision.
“I didn’t know July 5th was equal to April 1st [April Fools’ Day] In FIFA,” joked a clearly angry Belgium coach Rudy Garcia in his pre-match press conference.
On Monday, “The Athletic” reported that the RBFA has been given the right to appeal the decision to a member of the FIFA Appeals Committee which is not linked to European federation UEFA or North American counterpart CONCAFAF. The decision on that appeal could come 12 hours before the start of the quarterfinals.
García’s opposing coach Mauricio Pochettino suggested that the issues were “mixed up” by people with an unspoken “agenda” to justify the decision.
“If anyone was harmed in this whole situation, it was the United States. Can anyone justify the idea that we were not punished? I mean, playing a man down for 30 or 35 minutes in a World Cup knockout match? It’s not like we’re benefiting. Ultimately, we’re not the victims, but we’re not the villains of this story either.”
How did the rest of the football world react to FIFA’s decision?
Those with no skin in the game have, almost universally, supported Belgium’s approach. Apparently the US isn’t the only team in the tournament frustrated by a bad decision. UEFA, whose conflict with FIFA is increasing, takes a U-turn “Red Line Crossed” In a statement issued on Monday.
Norway’s coach, Stel Solbakken, warned Infantino’s organization even before Trump’s involvement became clear.
“It’s a big mistake by FIFA. It’s not a good conclusion. He got a red card and VAR concluded it was a red card. It means you’re suspended for one game,” he said. “I think the really bad thing in that situation is that if the United States beats Belgium, they’ll always have something extra about it. The Belgians will be angry.”
The German FA, as did DFB president Bernd Neuendorf, sought immediate clarification.
“The perception that there has been active political interference in sports must be swiftly and decisively dispelled. The integrity of the competition and FIFA’s credibility are at stake,” he said, calling on FIFA to clarify Trump’s involvement.
His compatriot, England coach Thomas Tuchel was among those who questioned whether the case had now become a precedent.
“Where does it begin and where does it end now? Can we or can’t we turn it around? What’s happening? The question I ask is where to draw the line. I don’t have an answer to that.” He said.
What could happen next in the Balogun case?
Pending the outcome of Belgium’s appeal, there is no doubt that Tuchel’s questions will be among those being considered by every federation remaining in the tournament, and perhaps even some that have been left out. If this red card can be suddenly overturned, the thing to think about is why not others? Or a rejected goal? Or could a yellow card lead to a suspension for an important match?
Indeed, according to local media reports, the French Football Federation (FFF) is considering appealing the questionable yellow picked up by Bayern Munich attacker Michel Olisse in their last-16 match against Paraguay. Two yellow cards in separate matches in the tournament meant a one-match suspension, the same punishment set for Balogun.
FIFA may face a flurry of complaints and appeals. However, it remains to be seen whether any other head of state or government will join in, or whether they will listen to Infantino in the same way.
With dissatisfaction with FIFA already running high, one has to wonder whether this decision could have far-reaching effects on Infantino and his organization.
Has a World Cup red card been overturned before?
no way. Brazil’s Garrincha was sent off against Chile in the semi-finals of the 1962 tournament, but played on and Brazil won the final. However, in those days the ban was decided by a committee rather than a match suspension being automatic.
A close example occurred shortly before this tournament. Just days after meeting Trump for dinner at the White House in November, Cristiano Ronaldo’s ban for a red card in a qualifier was reduced from three matches to one – meaning it could be served against Armenia and he would not miss any of Portugal’s World Cup games.
Edited by: Chuck Penfold