The 2026 World Cup was supposed to be America’s moment. Home soil, a hungry fanbase, and a young striker named Folarin Balogun carrying the hopes of a nation. What the US Soccer federation got instead was a diplomatic incident, a historically unprecedented FIFA suspension reversal, and a 4-1 loss to Belgium that played out in front of a record-setting television audience.
Here’s the thing: the controversy started before a single ball was kicked against Belgium.
The call that changed FIFA history
Balogun received a red card during the USMNT’s round-of-32 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Under standard FIFA rules, that red card carried an automatic suspension for the following match.
Then President Donald Trump made up to three phone calls to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
