Trump claims intervention in FIFA disciplinary process, though report cites sole decision by committee chair
Speaking at a reception in New York, Donald Trump described contacting FIFA president Gianni Infantino over the red card issued to Folarin Balogun, while independent reports indicate the suspension was decided by Mohammad al-Kamali alone.
US President Donald Trump stated he was compelled to contact FIFA president Gianni Infantino regarding the red card issued to USMNT striker Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup. Speaking at a reception at Trump Tower, Trump distanced himself from the controversy, claiming he had no knowledge of the outcome of his call and credited Infantino for allowing Balogun to play in the Round of 16 match against Belgium. The US team subsequently lost 4-1 to Belgium. Reports indicate the suspension of the red card was decided solely by FIFA disciplinary chair Mohammad al-Kamali. Trump also criticised England manager Thomas Tuchel for using Harry Kane in a defensive role during the semifinal against Argentina and advocated for the US to host the 2034 World Cup exclusively, noting Infantino’s suggestion of a joint US-China bid.
During the event at Trump Tower, Trump appeared alongside Infantino and described his interaction with the FIFA president. He initially stated he wanted to "make a recommendation" to "let the guy in the game," before correcting himself to say he "waged a complaint." Trump claimed Infantino deserves "credit" for the decision, noting, "You’ll never get credit for that," and emphasised that there was "no controversy" because the US won the game, despite the eventual 4-1 defeat to Belgium.
The president highlighted that the tournament broke the World Cup record for total attendance before the knockout stage began, citing success across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. He recounted a conversation where he lobbied to leave Canada and Mexico out of the 2034 bid to "take some of the anger, hatred and steam out of everyone," advocating for the US to host the event exclusively.
Infantino allegedly suggested a joint US-China bid for 2034 to ensure "nice short flight[s] in between games," a proposal Trump recounted during the reception. This discussion contrasts with the existing hosting arrangements, where the 2030 World Cup is set for Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, and the 2034 edition is currently hosted by Saudi Arabia.
Trump also criticised England manager Thomas Tuchel for his tactical use of captain Harry Kane during the semifinal against Argentina. Trump, who stated he had played golf with Kane before the match, described the decision to use the striker in a defensive role while England held a 1-0 lead as "unusual" and a mistake, though he stopped short of offering a detailed coaching critique.
