2026 World Cup: Trump takes responsibility for his intervention against Balogun's red card

Donald Trump confirmed on Monday that he had called the FIFA president to request a review of the red card given to American striker Folarin Balogun during a World Cup 2026 match, so that he could participate in the round of 16 against Belgium.

"Yes, I spoke to Gianni (Infantino, editor's note)," the US president said at an event at the White House.

"All I did was ask for a review because I didn't think it was a mistake (...) I didn't tell him what to do, I can't tell him what to do, and I don't think it was him who made the decision," he added.

In the midst of the World Cup, which is mainly being held in the United States, FIFA surprised everyone on Sunday by allowing the top scorer of "Team USA" to play in the round of 16 against Belgium, which takes place on Monday at 5:00 PM local time in Seattle (Tuesday 00:00 GMT).

He was due to be deprived of it after receiving a red card during the round of 16 against Bosnia-Herzegovina last Wednesday.

This suspension was lifted, albeit suspended, by FIFA's disciplinary committee. This unprecedented decision triggered a storm of reactions and criticism, further amplified after the revelation of Donald Trump's intervention.

The head of state regularly boasts of his long-standing friendship with Gianni Infantino.

Trump attacks the referee

In a lengthy response to the press on Monday, Donald Trump also criticized the referee of the match against Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Brazilian Raphael Claus.

Without naming him directly, he judged him to be "horrible" and "very dubious", suggesting that his "past" be examined.

Donald Trump claimed to know "very well about sports" and that he himself had been "a good athlete", while admitting that he had not previously studied the rules of football.

"I didn't even know what a red card was. When I found out, I thought, 'This can't be happening.' This guy (the referee) just raises his hand and your best player isn't going to play next week or in the next match," he said.

"We will have a full team when facing the Red Devils," the president said happily.

Several American media outlets reported that the US campaign against the red card was led by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Andrew Giuliani, who heads the White House task force on organizing the World Cup. Giuliani is also the son of Rudy Giuliani, former personal lawyer to Donald Trump and former mayor of New York City.

According to these media outlets, the top officials were supported by Scott Goodwin, the manager of an investment fund who contributed financially to the recruitment of the coach of the American team, the Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino.

Politico reports that, during the phone call between Donald Trump and the head of world football on Thursday, "Infantino listened attentively without making any promises."

AFP