All articles tagged with #folarin balogun
Norway’s football chief Lise Klaveness says she will file a formal ethics complaint over FIFA’s reversal of Folarin Balogun’s one‑game World Cup suspension, arguing the decision was influenced by external pressure (including from Donald Trump) and bypassed proper process, with a single disciplinary chair making the call and risks to the sport from state interference.
U.S. forward Folarin Balogun said his recall to the World Cup squad after a red card controversy—sparked by President Trump’s efforts to overturn the call—made the buildup and knockout stage more difficult; Balogun noted the situation created outside pressure, the U.S. still lost to Belgium 4-1, and he hopes to play in the 2030 World Cup.
Tiffany Haddish, guest-hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live, roasted Donald Trump over the U.S. World Cup loss and his alleged meddling with FIFA after Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension was reversed, while joking about Trump’s infamous hand-size and noting a White House explanation that bruises come from aspirin and frequent handshakes.
Thierry Henry and Alexi Lalas argued on Fox Sports' World Cup coverage about FIFA’s handling of Folarin Balogun’s one-game suspension for a red card against Bosnia, with Henry saying the decision was wrong and should have been decided on the field, while Lalas defended FIFA. The clash referenced Article 27 of FIFA’s disciplinary code and followed an alleged intervention by Donald Trump to urge a review, as the USMNT had just lost 4-1 to Belgium.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever quipped that the U.S. World Cup defeat to Belgium might have hit Trump hard, but he won’t raise the topic at the NATO summit; the piece also notes Trump’s intervention to overturn Balogun’s suspension amid FIFA politics and Belgium’s 4-1 victory.
Donald Trump’s bid to overturn Balogun’s suspension ended in a 4-1 defeat to Belgium, triggering memes and ridicule across the US and Belgium, with critics calling it the latest example of the “Trump effect”; Trump has not commented as the fallout unfolds.
Balogun’s impact for the USMNT in the Round of 16 loss to Belgium was muted amid a chaotic red-card controversy that dominated the 36 hours leading up to the game. He accepted the call but insisted Belgium were the better side, with the U.S. failing to supply him meaningful chances aside from an 83rd‑minute attempt. Belgium’s coach said the decision wasn’t Balogun’s fault, and the USMNT exit came amid injury notes and a disappointing night for the tournament hosts.
Belgium dumped the United States out of the World Cup with a 4-1 win in Seattle, in a knockout clash overshadowed by Balogun’s controversial return after a ban was suspended amid Trump’s intervention; De Ketelaere scored twice, Tillman equalized for the US, and Lukaku added a late seal after a costly Freese error as Belgium advance to face Spain.
President Donald Trump reportedly urged FIFA’s president to review Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension ahead of the United States’ World Cup match with Belgium, but FIFA said the decision to lift Balogun’s ban was not influenced by that conversation.
FIFA suspended the match ban from Balogun’s red card for a one-year probation period, allowing him to play the World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium; Belgium criticized the ruling, while U.S. Soccer welcomed it, noting the suspension could be revoked if Balogun commits another offense during the probation.
Folarin Balogun’s red-card dismissal against Bosnia and Herzegovina has been suspended for a one-year probation, making him eligible to play the USMNT in the World Cup round-of-16 against Belgium; FIFA confirmed the conditional suspension under the disciplinary code, and Balogun will be available for the 8pm ET kickoff in Seattle, with teammates and coach publicly backing him.
Balogun will miss the World Cup Round of 16 against Belgium after a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, with no appeal for a longer ban; the USMNT will rely on Ricardo Pepi or Haji Wright to lead the attack, potentially using a dual-striker setup or a false-nine if needed, and Balogun could return for a possible quarterfinal if the USA advances.
USMNT defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 to reach the World Cup Round of 16, with Balogun opening the scoring and Tillman adding a late free-kick after Balogun’s red card via VAR; a resilient defensive effort from Ream, Richards and the back line preserved the lead, setting up a knockout clash with Belgium.
USA beat Bosnia 2-0 in San Francisco to reach the World Cup last-16, despite Folarin Balogun receiving a straight red in the second half. Malik Tillman's late free-kick sealed the win as the hosts advance to face Belgium.
Brooklyn-born Folarin Balogun has emerged as a key US striker at the 2026 World Cup, illustrating the country’s birthright citizenship debate as President Trump’s executive order faces ACLU-led challenges in the Supreme Court. The live updates also touch on MLS commissioner Don Garber’s Vancouver stadium concerns, Seattle’s port displaying pro-Australia messages amid trade ties, and Australian media’s MAGA-counter messaging ahead of their match.