World Cup 2026: Gianni Infantino rejects Trump influence in Balogun suspension decision

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attends the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Netherlands and Morocco at Monterrey Stadium on June 29, 2026 in Guadalupe, Mexico. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the governing body’s handling of the disciplinary case involving United States forward Folarin Balogun, ...

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump during the FIFA World Cup 2026 official draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 5, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

President Trump confirms asking FIFA to review Balogun suspension before ban was lifted

by Naa Kwaamah Siaw-Marfo

July 6, 2026

United States President Donald Trump has confirmed he asked FIFA to review the one-match suspension handed to forward Folarin Balogun ...

United States forward Folarin Balogun (20) and Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic (4) are seen on the field after coming together during the second half of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 Football match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara, Calif., Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Balogun was given a red card after a VAR review. (Photo by Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)

Belgium furious as FIFA clears Balogun for USA clash despite red card suspension dispute

by Naa Kwaamah Siaw-Marfo

July 5, 2026

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has expressed shock over FIFA’s decision to make suspended United States forward Folarin Balogun ...

Carlos Queiroz, Head Coach of Ghana, reacts after the 0-1 loss during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Colombia and Ghana at Kansas City Stadium on July 03, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Julian Finney - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Carlos Queiroz bids farewell as he calls for major off field reforms in Black Stars setup

by Naa Kwaamah Siaw-Marfo

July 5, 2026

Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz has ended his 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a reflective message, calling for deep ...

Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 01, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Alex Pantling - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

2026 World Cup: Folarin Balogun cleared for Belgium clash after FIFA suspends one match ban

by Naa Kwaamah Siaw-Marfo

July 5, 2026

United States striker Folarin Balogun will be available for Monday's FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash against Belgium after ...

Neil El Aynaoui #24, Achraf Hakimi #2 and Brahim Diaz #10 of Morocco applaud fans after the 3-0 victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Canada and Morocco at Houston Stadium on July 04, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

2026 World Cup: Soufiane Rahimi leads Morocco into Quarter Finals with 3-0 win over Canada

by Naa Kwaamah Siaw-Marfo

July 4, 2026

Morocco reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a commanding 3-0 win over co-hosts Canada in the ...

Carlos Queiroz, Head Coach of Ghana, waves during a press conference ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Colombia and Ghana at Kansas City Stadium on July 02, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Julian Finney - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

“These are the Games that matter” – Carlos Queiroz fires warning ahead of Colombia clash

by Naa Kwaamah Siaw-Marfo

July 3, 2026

Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has urged his players to embrace the pressure of knockout football ahead of their ...

Breel Embolo #7 of Switzerland celebrates with Dan Ndoye #11 after scoring the team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Switzerland and Algeria at BC Place Vancouver on July 02, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

2026 World Cup: Switzerland knockout Algeria to reach fourth straight Round of 16

by Naa Kwaamah Siaw-Marfo

July 3, 2026

Switzerland reached the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Algeria in Vancouver, ...

Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal and teammates celebrate with a shirt in commemoration of late teammate Diogo Jota after the 2-1 win during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia at Toronto Stadium on July 02, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

2026 World Cup: Portugal edge Croatia 2-1 to set up blockbuster Round of 16 clash with Spain

by Naa Kwaamah Siaw-Marfo

July 3, 2026

Portugal reached the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after coming from behind to beat Croatia 2-1, ...

Pape Gueye of Senegal looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group I match between Norway and Senegal at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 22, 2026 in East Rutherford, United States. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)

Pape Gueye to step away from Senegal team after World Cup exit over technical staff

by Naa Kwaamah Siaw-Marfo

July 2, 2026

Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye has sparked internal tension after the country’s World Cup exit, announcing he will step away from ...

Tag: World Cup