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2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 FIFA World Cup controversies 2026 Trump–FIFA red card controversy In association football , FIFA declares American forward Folarin Balogun eligible to face
Confirmed

USA forward Christian Pulisic said the squad learned the one-game ban had been suspended on the bus to training on Sunday and said Balogun was "super happy". The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it is "astonished" by Fifa's decision and is "investigating all potential options" in response.
World Cup match suspensions cannot be appealed under the terms of FIFA’s competition rules, with the organization’s independent disciplinary committee holding the power to increase a ban to encompass more games should it see fit.
"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," world governing body Fifa said in a statement. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was cleared to play in his country's opening match of the tournament despite his red card against the Republic of Ireland during the World Cup qualifiers.
The RBFA pointed out all previous red cards issued at this World Cup have automatically resulted in a suspension and that Fifa's decision is in "direct contradiction" of the competition regulations, which were "explicitly reaffirmed" by the governing body to all participating nations in May.
Balogun’s U.S. teammates found out about the change via social media on the team bus to training at University of Washington on Sunday. Asked about the USA's World Cup performance during a news conference, Rubio said: "It was great.
CBS sources said Trump spoke to Infantino directly in a short conversation. Balogun’s reaction was “Lit,” Richards said with a laugh.
What's confirmed
- USA forward Christian Pulisic said the squad learned the one-game ban had been suspended on the bus to training on Sunday and said Balogun was "super happy".
- World Cup match suspensions cannot be appealed under the terms of FIFA’s competition rules, with the organization’s independent disciplinary committee holding the power to increase a ban to encompass more games should it
- "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," world governing body Fifa said in a statement.
- The RBFA pointed out all previous red cards issued at this World Cup have automatically resulted in a suspension and that Fifa's decision is in "direct contradiction" of the competition regulations, which were "explicitl
- CBS sources said Trump spoke to Infantino directly in a short conversation.
What's still developing
- The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) said it is "astonished" by Fifa's decision and is "investigating all potential options" in response.
- "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," world governing body Fifa said in a statement.
- CBS sources said Trump spoke to Infantino directly in a short conversation.
- USA forward Christian Pulisic said the squad learned the one-game ban had been suspended on the bus to training on Sunday and said Balogun was "super happy".
- The RBFA pointed out all previous red cards issued at this World Cup have automatically resulted in a suspension and that Fifa's decision is in "direct contradiction" of the competition regulations, which were…
- Asked about the USA's World Cup performance during a news conference, Rubio said: "It was great.
- Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was cleared to play in his country's opening match of the tournament despite his red card against the Republic of Ireland during the World Cup qualifiers.
- Balogun’s U.S. teammates found out about the change via social media on the team bus to training at University of Washington on Sunday.
