Folarin Balogun is back in the lineup for the USMNT’s round of 16 match against Belgium. FIFA overturned his red card from the Bosnia-Herzegovina game, and suddenly the Americans have a real shot at reaching the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002.
That alone would be a big story. But then the president got involved.
Donald Trump posted on Truth Social Thursday afternoon, writing: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what is right and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
The timing was enough to set off a firestorm online. Within hours, fans and journalists were openly speculating about whether the White House leaned on soccer’s global governing body. No evidence has surfaced. The USMNT has not confirmed any contact with FIFA or the administration. But that hasn’t stopped the jokes — or the darker theories.
One viral post on X showed Balogun holding up what appeared to be a “Trump card.” Another user wrote: “It’s not the outcome FIFA prefer though, that’s the point. This is the outcome America prefers, so it’s the outcome we get. FIFA originally doubled down on the Balogun suspension until Trump intervened.”
Not everyone is buying the conspiracy angle. Some fans are just happy their star forward is available. One user put it bluntly: “I absolutely wanted to see Balogun get a red card and then see it spontaneously overturned by FIFA disciplinary, inciting an online debate of favoritism and corruption that will overshadow our team’s quality and effort on Monday. Yes.”
What Balogun’s return means for the USMNT
On the field, this is massive. Balogun has been the team’s most dangerous attacking threat all tournament. His ability to hold the ball up and stretch defenses with his pace gives the Americans a dimension they don’t have without him. Belgium is vulnerable at the back, and having Balogun pulling their center-backs wide opens up space for the wingers and Christian Pulisic in the half-spaces.
The round of 16 is set for Monday. If the USMNT wins, they’d face either Brazil or Portugal in the quarterfinals. That’s still a brutal path. But with Balogun in the lineup, at least they have a puncher’s chance.
As for the Trump-FIFA connection? The internet has already made up its mind. Whether it’s a genuine intervention, a bureaucratic favor, or just a coincidence, the story now has a life of its own.
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