Donald Trump claims he urged Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun’s red card at FIFA World Cup 2026

Folarin Balogun was shown a red card during the USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina match.

The United States men’s national soccer team are all set to have a face-off against the Belgium national football team for their round of 16 contest. This 2026 FIFA World Cup game will take place at the Seattle Stadium.

Led by Mauricio Pochettino, the USA took down Bosnia & Herzegovina in their round of 32 fixture. It was an easy 2-0 victory for one of the co-hosts. Folarin Balogun and Malik Tillman scored a goal each to help their nation secure a spot in the last 16. The Yanks were reduced to 10 men after Balogun was shown a straight red card in the 64th minute.

After the involvement of VAR, referee Raphael Claus confirmed the red card. This decision sparked a major debate because many analysts and observers argued that the contact was unintentional. It was far from being reckless. Under the FIFA World Cup regulations, a straight red card carries an automatic one-match suspension.

FIFA later came up with a statement in which they said, “In line with article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year.”

This meant that Folarin Balogun was eligible to play in the USA vs Belgium round of 16 game.

Also Read: Gianni Infantino talks about Donald Trump’s call about Folarin Balogun’s red card

Donald Trump on Folarin Balogun’s red card

During a recent press conference, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, revealed the details of the conversation with FIFA President Gianni Infantino over Folarin Balogun’s red card decision.

“All I did was ask for a review because I didn’t think it was a foul. And, you know, again, I’m good at this stuff. I didn’t think it was a foul. I thought it was two great athletes that crashed into each other and got entangled,” Trump said.

“I think they made a really brilliant decision. I think the referee’s call was horrible and nobody talks about that. They talk about the red card like it’s fine, nobody talks the referee’s decision to red card.”

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.