Trump Confirms Discussing Balogun with Infantino, Citing Messi, Ronaldo, and Kane as Examples

US President Donald Trump has publicly confirmed that he personally appealed to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to overturn the red card issued to American team's top scorer, Folarin Balogun. The global governing body did indeed revoke the striker's suspension, allowing him to play in tonight's Round of 16 match against Belgium at the 2026 World Cup, a decision that has garnered significant international attention.

“Yes, I asked FIFA for a review. I spoke with a very respected individual (Infantino). All I did was request a review because I didn't believe it was a foul. I'm good at these things. I don't think it was a foul. I decided it was simply two great athletes colliding in a challenge. This isn't about someone hitting another in the face or anything like that, which would be different. I believe it would be terrible if they didn't allow a top player, perhaps the best or one of the best on the team, to play. I think that would leave a big stain. I can't tell him (Infantino) what to do. I also don't believe he made the decision. I think the committee did, and they made the right decision. Firstly, it wasn't a foul. Furthermore, you want to see your best players in the game.

How would you feel if we took out Lionel Messi, if he collided with someone, or Cristiano Ronaldo? He collides with someone and we take him out of the game. Or Harry Kane? 'We're taking you out of the match, Harry, because you kicked someone a little too hard.' You can't do something like that. If they had punished him (Balogun), it would have tarnished this incredible championship. We need to have our best players available. Belgium also has a great squad, by the way. We will have our best players, and so will they. So whether we win or lose, it will be fair. Otherwise, it would be terrible if we lost without him.

That's why I think they made a brilliant decision. I believe the referee's call was terrible. Nobody is discussing it. They talk about the red card as if it's the right thing. Nobody mentions the referee's decision. I didn't even know what a red card was. When I found out what it was, I said to myself, 'You must be kidding!' This person raises the card and says, 'Okay, your best player won't play in the next match.' I said, 'Wow, that's a lot of power, which is terrible.' But then I saw his past, and it wasn't very good…'” Trump stated during a media appearance.