"Gave some advice": Trump boasts about Infantino call after Balogun's controversial sending-off
U.S. President Donald Trump has commented for the first time on the rescinded red card given to U.S. forward Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup. The American leader admitted that he did, in fact, reach out to FIFA President Gianni Infantino following the controversial incident, but insisted he did not demand the suspension be overturned.
The most memorable moment of the World Cup? Probably when Balogun was shown the red card. I had to call Gianni Infantino and simply offer some advice. I didn't say, "Put him back on the pitch." I just shared my opinion and didn’t know how it would all turn out. But it worked out well, because there were no disagreements. Infantino, you made another great decision, even though no one will praise you for it, Trump said live on Fox News.
As a reminder, Balogun was sent off, but before the round of 16 match against Belgium (1-4), FIFA's disciplinary committee overturned the red card.
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
