American supporters are urging Donald Trump to step in after Folarin Balogun’s red card means he will miss the United States’ Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle. The plea reflects anger at the decision, frustration over FIFA’s restrictions, and a str
The night after the United States beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 at Levi’s Stadium, Folarin Balogun’s red card did what goals couldn’t: it stole the spotlight.
Balogun will miss Team USA’s Round of 16 matchup with Belgium on Monday in Seattle after a VAR review found that his cleat scraped down Tarik Muharemovic’s leg. calf and foot during what was otherwise a 50-50 challenge for a ball in the second half. The Italian Serie A player was left in obvious pain and. as a result. Balogun was shown a red card and issued a suspension — even though he had scored his third goal of the tournament in Wednesday’s win.
That punishment sparked a chorus of public pleas in the United States, with some fans calling on Donald Trump to intervene. On X, podcaster Manny Fidel wrote: “If Trump wants to win an illegal third election in a landslide he’ll call Infantino right now and get the red card rescinded.”
The appeal is built on a simple frustration: FIFA regulations do not allow any appeals on red cards. and there is no precedent for a FIFA President reversing such a decision. Fans still insisted the situation could be treated differently, pointing to the relationship between Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
One author. Steve Magness. put it bluntly on X: “Donald Trump needs to use his FIFA Peace Prize to pressure FIFA into rescinding the ultimate birthright citizen Flo Balogun’s red card so he can play against Belgium.” Another fan asked the same question with sarcasm: “If Trump can’t get this red card for Balogun rescinded what did that FIFA Peace Prize even mean???”.
Some supporters also referenced Trump’s past political efforts. Another post said: “Balogun can play on Monday if Mike Pence has the courage.” For others, the jokes carried an edge — they weren’t sure whether anyone wanted to see it resolved for football reasons or simply for the spectacle of it.
The debate quickly widened beyond the pitch. Clay Travis — a Fox News pundit and White House supporter — argued that Trump should effectively “pardon” Balogun to allow him to play. writing: “President Trump announcing he’s overruling the awful FIFA official’s call and pardoning Balogun for his red card under his presidential pardon powers to allow him to play against Belgium would break the Internet.” Travis also drew criticism earlier in the week. after he slammed the Supreme Court’s decision upholding birthright citizenship. the principle that allows Balogun — Brooklyn-born and UK-raised — to represent Team USA.
That thread became a flashpoint online. An account dedicated to mocking Travis shared: “If Clay Travis had his way, Balogun (who made it 1-0) wouldn’t be in the country.” The same post emphasized Balogun is here because of birthright citizenship.
The backlash didn’t stop with Balogun. Several fans pointed out that Team USA’s other goal scorer, Malik Tillman, was actually born in Germany to an American servicemen and a German mother.
Even amid the red-card uproar, Infantino’s record with Trump remained part of the conversation. Fans noted that Infantino previously allowed Trump to present the World Cup winners with the trophy after the upcoming tournament finale. and recalled that in December — despite no precedent — Infantino awarded Trump the FIFA Peace Prize. They also referenced Infantino’s hat emblazoned with “45-47” in reference to the 45th and 47th US President. On Wednesday. Infantino watched the US win alongside Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. described as Trump’s personal friend and business partner.
There was also talk that Trump could use broader influence in the way supporters believe he has elsewhere. One Trump supporter suggested he should simply pardon Balogun “like he’s done with some 1. 700 individuals. ” many of whom made substantial donations to the President or have partnered with him in business.
In the end, the practical reality is stark. Balogun has been suspended for Monday’s clash against Belgium, and FIFA’s rules do not permit appeals on red cards. Still, American fans keep pressing the same wager: that politics and proximity might override process.
As Balogun watched the fallout from the sideline after being consoled by Gio Reyna and Timothy Weah following the red card, the question became less about a single tackle and more about whether any system — or any friendship — can bend a football decision that has already been made.
Folarin Balogun USA vs Belgium Round of 16 Tarik Muharemovic red card FIFA Gianni Infantino Donald Trump VAR Levi's Stadium Seattle
So Trump can just un-red-card people now? lol
I’m sorry but if the ref said red, that’s the red. All this “pardon Balogun” stuff sounds like politics more than soccer. Also VAR is always weird, like it’s never consistent.
Wait, didn’t he get suspended already like for a different game? I swear I saw something earlier that said he was fine. If they’re saying it scraped his leg, that’s kinda normal in soccer right? Shouldn’t they just let him play since he already scored.
The FIFA rules not allowing appeals on red cards is actually crazy. But also, how would Trump even do it? Like they’re saying he can call Infantino and get it rescinded, which… maybe? Trump is friends with everyone right? I’m just mad because USA needed him. Belgium games are already stressful and now it’s like they’re taking the whole point away.