Wednesday, July 22, 2026

Trump thanks FIFA for lifting Folarin Balogun’s one-match suspension ahead of Belgium showdown

Balogun has been the standout man for the United States of America at the World Cup, scoring three goals so far.

• July 5, 2026
Trump, Folarin Balogun and FIFA logo
Trump, Folarin Balogun and FIFA logo

The U.S. President Donald Trump has thanked world’s football governing body FIFA after its disciplinary committee suspended star forward Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban.

Balogun was set to miss the United States of America’s 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium on Tuesday after he was shown a straight red for a foul on Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic as the co-hosts won their last-32 tie 2-0.

However, FIFA has now confirmed in a statement on Sunday that the 25-year-old would be available to face Belgium following the decision to suspend his ban for a one-year probationary period, with warning he must not commit a similar offence within the duration. 

“In line with article 27 of the FIFA disciplinary code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year,” FIFA said in a statement. 

It added, “If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement.”

Reacting to the development, Mr Trump appreciated FIFA for overturning the suspension, which he described as injustice, stating “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President Donald J. Trump.”

In its reaction to the decision, the United States of America’s football federation said, “We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow.

“Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans.”

Balogun has been the standout man for the United States of America at the World Cup, scoring three goals so far. 

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Nonye Soludo

Health

Soludo’s wife urges sleep, exercise for healthy brain

Anambra’s first lady, Nonye Soludo, has urged Nigerians to adopt healthy lifestyles to enhance their brain health.

Mykhailo Drapatyi

World

Zelensky names Drapatyi as Ukraine’s top general after firing Syrskyi

President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed Mykhailo Drapatyi as the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, after dismissing Oleksandr Syrskyi.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani

Rights

Mamdani challenges Trump to arrest ‘war criminal’ Netanyahu when he visits U.S.

He reaffirmed his support for the ICC warrant against Mr Netanyahu, insisting he must be arrested and tried for crimes against humanity.

House of Representatives, Terngu Tsegba

Politics

I’m contesting senatorial seat to give Benue voice, says Tsegba

Mr Tsegba expressed concern over what he described as the failure of elected representatives to speak out against persistent attacks and killings in their constituencies.

LG plasma TVs caught with terrorists’ suppliers

States

30 units of 80-inch LG plasma TVs caught with terrorists’ suppliers: Military

A statement by Mohammed Goni, the acting spokesperson for the operation, said the suspects were arrested on Monday at about 1:30 p.m.

Flooded Borno

States

Borno, Adamawa, Yobe map out response strategies, flooding evacuation plans

Borno, Yobe and Adamawa governments have mapped out response strategies and evacuation plans to mitigate the effects of impending floods.