FIFA reverses ban against U.S. men’s soccer star

FIFA bows to Trump's demands and drops suspension of US player

FIFA has bowed to US President Donald Trump by reversing the controversial red-card ban for star player Folarin Balogun. US national team striker Folarin Balogun received a one-game ban during the round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina after awkwardly stepping on one of their players’ ankles. Balogun was set to miss the round of 16 match this week, and the decision was originally not subject to appeal or review. Trump stepped in by calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the week to get a review to retract the red-card suspension. The President’s call worked, marking a major win for Team USA as the red card ban was overturned.

Ash Sarkar: USA Can 'F*ck Off From Football'

"We don't want you. We don't need you." On Sunday, Fifa suspended US striker Folarin Balogun's one-match ban so he could play in the knockout loss to Belgium. The next day, Donald Trump admitted he had called Fifa president Gianni Infantino to ask for that review to happen. On Novara Live, Ash Sarkar argues that the US culture of “sports entertainment” is more concerned with delivering spectacle than the tradition of international competition.

FIFA rejects Belgium’s appeal over Folarin Balogun red card at World Cup

FIFA has swiftly rejected an appeal from Belgium’s soccer federation (RFBA) over Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension, saying that the federation was “not a party to the proceedings.” There has been a growing firestorm over FIFA’s last-minute decision to allow U.S. forward Balogun to play in Monday’s World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium, []...Click to read more

U.S. soccer cannot appeal Folarin Balogun’s World Cup red card suspension

SANTA CLARA — The U.S. cannot appeal Folarin Balogun’s red card and ensuing suspension from the Americans’ round of 16 match against Belgium, U.S. soccer officials confirmed. FIFA rules governing the 2026 World Cup, first cited by The Athletic, state that “a sending-off automatically incurs suspension from the subsequent match. The FIFA judicial bodies may impose additional []

White House lobbied Fifa to lift Folarin Balogun suspension for World Cup game v Belgium

The White House lobbied Fifa to lift the US striker Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban for a red card received in the team’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Guardian understands, resulting in Sunday’s stunning announcement that he would be available for the host nation’s last-16 clash against Belgium. The decision gives the US a huge boost on the field as they attempt to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002. Balogun has been a constant threat for the US so far this tournament, and has scored three goals in three starts.

Outrage as FIFA's Infantino bends rules to Trump's whim at World Cup

FIFA boss slammed for controversial decision to suspend US star Folarin Balogun's one-game ban; Ruling, which came after the intervention of Donald Trump, permits striker to play in the co-hosts' World Cup last 16 match with Belgium. Leer más

FIFA lifts Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension at World Cup

The Belgian soccer federation wants an explanation from FIFA about a decision to let U.S forward Folarin Balogun play at the World Cup despite getting a red card in his previous game. Belgium takes on the United States later Monday for a spot in the quarterfinals. #FolarinBalogun #FIFA #WorldCup #USA #Belgium

World Cup 2026: Folarin Balogun eligible to play for USA against Belgium after FIFA suspends red card ban

The striker has scored three times at this summer's tournament

Should Folarin Balogun Have Stood Down For America?

Commentary By Felicia J. Persaud News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. July 7, 2026: Folarin Balogun had every legal right to take the field for the United States against Belgium. The harder question is whether he should have. Days before the United States’ World Cup Round of 16 match, President Donald Trump personally called FIFA []

Folarin Balogun’s 1-game ban suspended by FIFA, allowing US forward to play vs Belgium

SEATTLE (AP) — Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban was suspended by FIFA on Sunday, allowing the forward to play in the United States’ World Cup round of 16 game against Belgium on Monday. Balogun, who leads the Americans with three goals, received a red card for stepping on the foot of Tarik Muharemović of Bosnia and Herzegovina in []

Donald Trump's Diplomatic Foul Play? FIFA Mysteriously Lifts Folarin Balogun's Red Card

USMNT striker Folarin Balogun's controversial red card suspension has been controversially lifted by FIFA, enabling him to play against Belgium in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 today, July 6, 2026. This astonishing decision follows widespread reports of direct intervention from US President Donald Trump with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, sparking.

Politics, power and the World Cup | Bigger Than Five

The FIFA World Cup is shining a spotlight on politics, discrimination and double standards. Former Iran national team coach Afshin Ghotbi explains why some players are judged by the governments they represent, while others are treated simply as athletes. Then, former US player and academic Jules Boykoff asks whether FIFA is living up to its own principles of neutrality. As football and politics collide, Bigger Than Five examines the controversies beyond the pitch.

Belgium's soccer federation 'astonished' that FIFA allows USMNT's Folarin Balogun to play after red card

Balogun's one-game ban was suspended by FIFA on Sunday afternoon.

FIFA Rejects Belgium’s Appeal Over Folarin Balogun’s Eligibility

FIFA has rejected Belgium's attempt to challenge the eligibility of United States forward Folarin Balogun, clearing the way for the World Cup star to remain available after his one-match suspension was put on hold

2 Team USA Staff Members Were Suspended for World Cup Game Against Belgium

The drama around Team USA’s World Cup run didn’t end with its elimination in the Round of 16 against Belgium. After the United States fell, 4-1, on Monday, July 6, FIFA revealed that two staff members of the USMNT were actually suspended for the match. Team manager Sam Zapatka and U.S. Soccer Federation vice president []

Supreme Court: States can ban transgender girls from girls' sports

Supreme Court: States can ban transgender girls from girls' sports

Collina sangkal dakwaan FIFA bantu Argentina

LOS ANGELES: Ketua Pengadil Persekutuan Bola Sepak Antarabangsa (FIFA), Pierluigi Collina menolak dakwaan kononnya badan induk bola sepak dunia itu mempengaruhi keputusan pengadil bagi membantu Argentina mara dalam saingan Piala Dunia. Menurut Collina, tuduhan yang dilemparkan terhadap pegawai perlawanan selepas kemenangan kontroversi Argentina 3-2 ke atas Mesir pada aksi pusingan 16 terbaik itu adalah tidak ... Read more The post Collina sangkal dakwaan FIFA bantu Argentina appeared first on Utusan Malaysia.

Trump, Fifa and Balogun: The World Cup controversy explained

FIFA’s stunning decision to lift the suspension of a star U.S. player has riled the host country's next World Cup opponent, Belgium

Trump Undermines 2026 World Cup’s Integrity

European football associations condemn FIFA decision to lift U.S. forward Balogun suspension. On Monday, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) released a statement sharply criticizing the decision by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to suspend the sanction imposed on U.S. forward Folarin Balogun. RELATED: European Commission Questions FIFA Over the Suspension of []

US Supreme Court Upholds Bans On Transgender Athletes In Women Sports

US Supreme Court upholds bans on transgender athletes in women sports

Is Donald Trump giving FIFA orders? | DW News

FIFA has reversed a match ban for star USA striker Folarin Balogun after Donald Trump reportedly called FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The controversial U-turn means Balogun, the team's top goalscorer, will feature in a crucial World Cup knockout match against Belgium. #Trump #WorldCup FIFA For more news go to: http://www.dw.com/en/ Follow DW on social media: ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwnews ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dwnews ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deutschewellenews/ ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/dwnews Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie: https://www.youtube.com/dwdeutsch Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/deutschewelleenglish?sub_confirmation=1

Dems Should Be Happy FIFA Reversed a Terrible Decision

A top American soccer player will get to play in the World Cup tonight after FIFA, which runs the tournament, reversed a terrible decision banning him. That's good, right? Not if you're on the left.

FIFA's SHOCK Decision! Why Folarin Balogun Is Allowed to Play After a Red Card | Dawn News English

FIFA has allowed US striker Folarin Balogun to remain eligible despite receiving a red card, following a review of the incident that has sparked widespread debate. The decision has drawn strong reactions from fans, football analysts, and officials, raising questions about disciplinary procedures and consistency in international football. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dawn News English is your window into the latest news, insight, and features from South Asia and beyond. Website: www.dawn.com Official Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/dawnnewsenglish Official Twitter: https://x.com/dawnnewsenglish Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawnnewsenglish #fifa #folarinbalogun #worldcup2026 #usmnt #football #soccer #globalnews #dawnnewsenglish #news #latestnews #dawnnewsenglish #dawnnews

FIFA suspends Balogan suspension

In addition to a general World Cup open thread, I assume people will want to discuss this: Folarin Balogun will be available to play the USMNT’s World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium after his one-game red-card ban was suspended, FIFA has confirmed. The 25-year-old striker received a straight red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday [] The post FIFA suspends Balogan suspension appeared first on Lawyers, Guns Money.

Belgian coach Rudi Garcia criticizes FIFA’s Balogun red card ban reversal: ‘It’s April Fools’

After FIFA announced that U.S. national team forward Folarin Balogun would play in the Round of 16 after his one-game red-card ban was suspended, their opponent did not take the news well. “The Belgian federation isn’t just defending itself or the national team; it’s defending football in general — its integrity and its ethics,” Belgium

Balogun’s World Cup ban lifted after Trump intervention ahead of Belgium clash | #AJ shorts

FIFA has overturned US striker Folarin Balogun's World Cup suspension, the first time since 1962 it has allowed a player sent off in the tournament to play despite a ban. The decision followed a request from US President Donald Trump and makes the striker eligible to face Belgium in the round of 16. Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.news/AJEMobile

European soccer body: FIFA reversal after Trump call 'incomprehensible'

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) on Monday slammed FIFA’s decision to reverse a one-game suspension for U.S. player Folarin Balogun after President Trump made a call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. UEFA, commonly known as the Europa League, said the decision “crossed a red-line.” “Yesterday’s decision to suspend for a probationary period of...

Paraguayan commentator who said FIFA killed football expelled from World Cup

Paraguayan commentator who said FIFA killed football expelled from World Cup

Supreme Court Sides With Red States Over Bans on Trans Athletes

States can block transgender athletes from playing on girls’ and women’s sports teams, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday, handing the Trump administration a victory in its effort to enforce such restrictions. In a 6-3 decision, the conservative court said that West Virginia and Idaho did not break the law when they passed legislation prohibiting []

Revealed: The rarely-used rule that allowed USA star Folarin Balogun to skip World Cup ban and play against Belgium

Revealed: The rarely-used rule that allowed USA star Folarin Balogun to skip World Cup ban and play against Belgium

FIFA lifts ban on Balogun for Belgium clash after Trump calls Infantino

Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban has been surprisingly lifted by FIFA, clearing the American forward to play in the team’s World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium.

USA striker Balogun’s one-game ban suspended by Fifa

Folarin Balogun is available to play for the United States in their World Cup last-16 tie against Belgium after his one-game ban was suspended by FIFA. The 25-year-old striker was shown a straight red card for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic as the co-hosts won their last-32 tie 2-0. FIFA said that the automatic []

Folarin Balogun to play for U.S. vs. Belgium after FIFA suspends red-card ban

(Photo credit: Carlos Barria-Reuters via Imagn Images)Folarin Balogun of the United States men's national team is eligible to play in its round of 16 match against Belgium following the suspension of his one-game red card ban, USMNT announced Sunday.The 25-year-old forward is the leading scorer for the United States with three goals. He scored what turned out to be the game-winning goal in the 45th minute

The Supreme Court’s ruling on trans athletes is legal scapegoating

Whatever your views on transgender athletes and sports, it is important to see the bigger picture here: These bans are about far more than athletics. The post The Supreme Court’s ruling on trans athletes is legal scapegoating appeared first on MS NOW.

FIFA defends Balogun ruling despite concerns over World Cup's integrity

FIFA’s decision to lift United States striker Folarin Balogun's red-card ban after an intervention from US President Donald Trump has reignited a global debate over political influence in sport and the independence of football's governing bodies.

Trump Thanks His World Cup Suck-Up Pal for Doing His Bidding

Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty ImagesFIFA President Gianni Infantino made a decision that could reshape Team USA’s World Cup run, and he was swiftly hailed by the president for it.On Sunday, FIFA announced it had suspended the red card shown to striker Folarin Balogun in the USA’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, overturning a decision that would have ruled him out of the next fixture.The ruling clears the 25-year-old to feature in Monday’s last-16 match against Belgium, with a potential place in the quarter-finals on the line.Read more at The Daily Beast.

Report: FIFA rescinds U.S. striker Flo Balogun's one-game suspension

Balogun will be available for Monday night vs. Belgium

FIFA Clears Folarin Balogun To Face Belgium After Trump Intervention Despite Red Card Suspension

FIFA overturn Folarin Balogun’s automatic suspension, allowing the USA striker to face Belgium after President Trump urged a review.

2026 World Cup: You’ve crossed a red line – UEFA blasts FIFA over Balogun decision

UEFA has hit out at FIFA, for suspending the red card shown to US striker, Folarin Balogun. Balogun was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina and was set to serve a one-match ban. But on Sunday, FIFA announced that he would be eligible to play against Belgium in their last-32 clash. This u-turn follows the intervention [] 2026 World Cup: You’ve crossed a red line – UEFA blasts FIFA over Balogun decision

UEFA Condemns FIFA Decision to Lift Folarin Balogun's World Cup Suspension

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has criticized FIFA's decision to lift the automatic one-match suspension imposed on United States forward Folarin Balogun ahead of the Round of 16 match against Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a statement published on its official website, UEFA said the decision threatens the integrity of the game. The organization noted that several players at the current World Cup have already served automatic suspensions after receiving red cards, and creating an exception for Balogun violates the principle of equal treatment for all participants. European football's governing body warned that the inconsistent and non-transparent application of the rules undermines confidence in the competition and could damage the reputation of football as a whole. UEFA described FIFA's decision as unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.

How Donald Trump ensured Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban was lifted with call to FIFA

How Donald Trump ensured Folarin Balogun’s World Cup ban was lifted with call to FIFA

Belgium 'astonished' after FIFA suspends U.S. forward's 1-game ban, allowing him to play Monday

Folarin Balogun's one-game ban was surprisingly suspended by FIFA, clearing the American forward to play in the team's World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium, a decision that was praised by U.S. President Donald Trump and promoted outrage from the Red Devils.