Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFolarin Balogun, a US soccer player, was initially banned from the US’ World Cup game against Belgium after receiving a red card in a previous match, but FIFA unexpectedly suspended the ban, allowing him to play.The situation drew significant attention due to the involvement of President Donald Trump, who publicly urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Balogun's case, despite the president's known stance against birthright citizenship.Balogun's eligibility for the US team is a result of birthright citizenship, as he was born in New York to a Nigerian mother, making his story a focal point in discussions about American identity and immigration. Balogun was raised in London and came up through the Arsenal academy, with England, Nigeria and the United States all possible landing spots for the prolific scorer."It feels like I’m at home here," Balogun said as U.S. Soccer announced that he would play for the Stars and Stripes. He said he made the decision with his family but was also swayed by a vacation to Orlando."I think that’s when I really saw the full force of the U.S. fans," he said at the time. "It’s just something I’m really happy that I’ve decided to do."In fullUS soccer star Trump intervened to help is a citizen by birthright - which the president wants to endMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in