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Trump Calls Infantino, Reverses Balogun Ban Before Belgium Match

7/17/2026

30 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Trump Lifts Ban

U.S. President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino and reversed Folarin Balogun’s suspension before the Belgium game.
Gianni Infantino thanked President Donald Trump and said the ban was lifted under Article 10.5 of the tournament rules.
U.S. Soccer CEO J.T. Batson called the presidential involvement legal and thanked fans across the nation.

Summary

Belgium Upsets USA

Belgium defeated the United States 4-1, advancing to the quarter-finals and eliminating the host nation.
After the red-card reversal, Gianni Infantino and FIFA faced intense criticism from clubs, players and officials across the sport.
Nathaniel Balogun was reinstated for the Belgium match under a one-year probation per Article 10.5.
Mauricio Pochettino praised the decision and confirmed that the United States’ top scorer returned to the squad.

History

Historical Context

In June 1978 Argentina hosted the 11th FIFA World Cup while the National Reorganization Process military junta, which seized power in 1976, poured roughly $700 million into stadium upgrades and propaganda to legitimize its rule. Amid reports that about 30,000 people were killed and protests by the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, the tournament showed how authoritarian regimes exploit global sport for political gain.

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Trump Lifts Ban

U.S. President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino and reversed Folarin Balogun’s suspension before the Belgium game.
Gianni Infantino thanked President Donald Trump and said the ban was lifted under Article 10.5 of the tournament rules.
U.S. Soccer CEO J.T. Batson called the presidential involvement legal and thanked fans across the nation.

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