2026 FIFA World Cup Trump Defends Balogun Decision, Says Removing Star Would Be Like “Taking Out Messi”

2026 FIFA World Cup Trump Defends Balogun Decision, Says Removing Star Would Be Like “Taking Out Messi” United States President Donald Trump has defended FIFA’s decision to allow striker Folarin Balogun to play after his red-card suspension was lifted, comparing the player’s absence to removing one of football’s biggest stars from a major tournament.The controversy began after Balogun was sent off during the United States’ World Cup match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The forward initially faced a one-match suspension, but FIFA later suspended the ban, making him available for the round-of-16 meeting with Belgium. Trump confirmed that he contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review of the decision, saying he believed the punishment would have harmed the tournament by preventing one of the competition’s leading players from taking part. He said the situation was comparable to removing a player of Lionel Messi’s level from a World Cup match. The US president criticised the original refereeing decision, arguing that Balogun had not committed a serious foul. However, he said the final decision remained with FIFA and that he did not instruct officials on what action to take. The decision has triggered debate across international football. Critics have questioned whether outside influence played a role in the disciplinary process, while FIFA has insisted that its decision was made through its established regulations and that the red card itself was not overturned only the suspension was delayed.FIFA also defended Brazilian referee Raphael Claus, who issued the red card after a VAR review during the match, rejecting criticism of the official’s professionalism and record. Balogun was ultimately available for the United States’ knockout match against Belgium, although the Americans were eliminated after a 4-1 defeat. The controversy has continued to fuel discussions about sporting independence, disciplinary consistency and the relationship between politics and football during the 2026 World Cup.