U.S. President Donald Trump thanked the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) on Truth Social for suspending the disqualification of U.S. national team forward Folarin Balogun.
The player has been cleared to take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium.
Balogun was sent off for rough play in the Round of 32 game between the U.S. and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“Thank you, FIFA, for doing the right thing and correcting a blatant injustice,” Trump said.
The match between the U.S. and Belgium is set for July 6. The winner will advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face the stronger team from the Spain-Portugal pairing.
On July 5, FIFA lifted Balogun’s suspension following an appeal from the White House to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Meanwhile, the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) expressed surprise at FIFA’s decision to suspend Balogun’s disqualification.
According to the association, FIFA’s move contradicts the regulations of the 2026 World Cup.
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