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Trump Presses FIFA to Overturn US Player’s Red Card

7/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino on July 5 to reverse Balogun’s red card.
FIFA said its disciplinary committee is independent.
Officials gave Balogun a red card on July 1 after a collision in the round-of-32.
After the U.S. men’s team lost 4-1 to Belgium on July 6, ending its World Cup run, Tiffany Haddish mocked Donald Trump on July 7 Jimmy Kimmel Live, prompting him to call the penalty unfair and horrible.

History

Historical Context

In the 1978 FIFA World Cup, host Argentina under General Jorge Rafael Videla’s military junta needed a four-goal margin and beat Peru 6–0 on 21 June to reach the final, a result viewed as regime propaganda. In July 2024, U.S. President Donald Trump urged FIFA president Gianni Infantino to reverse the red-card given to Balogun after the United States lost to Belgium, highlighting political meddling in football.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump called FIFA President Gianni Infantino on July 5 to reverse Balogun’s red card.
FIFA said its disciplinary committee is independent.
Officials gave Balogun a red card on July 1 after a collision in the round-of-32.
After the U.S. men’s team lost 4-1 to Belgium on July 6, ending its World Cup run, Tiffany Haddish mocked Donald Trump on July 7 Jimmy Kimmel Live, prompting him to call the penalty unfair and horrible.

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