06.07.2026 18:40
US President Donald Trump admitted in front of cameras that the red card penalty for American footballer Folarin Balogun in the Bosnia and Herzegovina match was suspended. US Senator Cruz said, laughing, 'On behalf of all Americans, thank you for getting rid of that ridiculous red card,' to which Trump replied, 'That was interesting.' Trump also stated, 'I requested a review from FIFA.'
An unprecedented event in football history occurred after US footballer Folarin Balogun received a red card in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina during the 2026 World Cup. FIFA postponed the star striker's one-match ban for a year. This decision sparked major controversy ahead of the tournament's round of 16 match.
THEY LAUGHINGLY CONFESSED IN FRONT OF THE CAMERAS
Following the incident, US Senator Ted Cruz appeared before the cameras at an official event held at the Oval Office and thanked President Trump. Cruz laughed and said, "On behalf of all Americans, thank you for eliminating that ridiculous red card. There's a reason the FIFA World Cup has been sitting here (at the White House) for so long." Trump replied, "That was interesting," and confessed to officially having the red card decision overturned.
FIFA DEFERS BALOGUN'S SUSPENSION
In a statement from FIFA's Disciplinary Committee, it was said, "In accordance with Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the enforcement of the match suspension has been deferred for one year. If Folarin Balogun commits another similar offense of the same nature and severity during this period, the deferral will be revoked, and the suspension will be enforced along with additional sanctions applied for the new violation."
TRUMP'S THANK YOU MESSAGE TO FIFA
US President Donald Trump also posted on his Truth Social account, saying, "Thank you to FIFA for doing the right thing and reversing a great injustice."
DONALD TRUMP COMMENTED ON THE INCIDENT
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump also commented on the red card incident involving Folarin Balogun. Evaluating the play, Trump claimed to know football and sports very well, stating, "I saw the game, and I'm someone who understands sports, especially football, very well. That was not a foul. It wasn't even a violation. It was two great athletes coming together. That referee, if you look at his background, is a bit questionable. He made a decision that no one can believe. He's our best player, or one of our best players. And he gave him a red card."
WHEN IS THE MATCH?
The USA, who defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0, will face Belgium on Tuesday, July 7, at 00:00 GMT in the round of 16.