FIFA Lifts Balogun Suspension but Fines U.S. Soccer Federation $40,000

FIFA reversed the one-match suspension imposed on U.S. striker Folarin Balogun following a red card in the team's 2-0 Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1 in Santa Clara, California. The decision allows Balogun to play in the round-of-16 match against Belgium on Monday.

Balogun received the red card for stepping on the right ankle of Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemović. The foul triggered an automatic one-game ban under standard rules. FIFA suspended the ban under Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code and instead fined the U.S.

Soccer Federation $40,000. President Trump said he watched the play and spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review. "That wasn't a foul. That wasn't even an infraction. That was two guys running full speed that happened to crash into each other," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

He added that he asked only for a review and did not direct any outcome. Infantino stated that FIFA's judicial bodies remain independent and that he received a call from Trump on the matter. "During our conversation, I explained that there was an ongoing legal process involving FIFA's independent judicial bodies and that the case would be decided in due course by the competent bodies," Infantino said in a statement.

FIFA said the suspension of the ban considered the specific circumstances and available evidence. The organization noted that similar applications of Article 27 have occurred during 2026 World Cup qualifiers. This marks the first time since 1962 that FIFA has nullified a red-card suspension during the tournament.