Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank 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 inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDonald Trump faced widespread ridicule after his controversial intervention in the Fifa World Cup, where he successfully lobbied Fifa President Gianni Infantino to overturn a red card for U.S. star striker Folarin Balogun. Despite Trump's intervention, which saw Balogun's one-match ban suspended, the U.S. team suffered a comprehensive 4-1 defeat against Belgium in Seattle, leading to their elimination from the tournament. Before the match, Trump admitted to his appeal and jokingly suggested the game would be 'rigged' if the U.S. lost, drawing parallels to the 2020 election. The U.S. loss prompted significant mockery and criticism directed at Trump, with figures like California Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla calling it 'the Trump effect' and others joking about him imposing tariffs on Belgium or having a 'reverse Midas touch.' Belgian players and social media accounts also joined in the ridicule, with Trump himself remaining silent on the outcome of his intervention, despite his active presence on Truth Social. In full‘The Trump effect’: President ridiculed in US after team thrashed by Belgium at World CupMore 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

US President Donald Trump admitted he had called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask that the red card shown to US striker Folarin Balogun be reviewed, after the body reversed…

In an unprecedented move, FIFA has suspended Folarin Balogun's red-card ban for the US World Cup match against Belgium, following a personal appeal from President Donald Trump to…

For 24 days, the World Cup seemed to achieve a rare feat in America in 2026: It had almost nothing to do with Donald Trump.

The Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA), however, reacted with disbelief, while Belgium coach Rudi Garcia mocked FIFA's decision. | Football News

Amid FIFA controversy, Trump's influence allows suspended U.S. striker Balogun to play, sparking outrage from Belgium and football fans.

If you get a red card at the World Cup, you miss the next game... Unless Donald Trump steps in. The world has reacted to the controversial move by FIFA to lift the ban given to…

The irony alarm sounded over the president's call to FIFA's Peace Prize-awarding boss, Gianni Infantino.

Although Belgium described the move as unprecedented, FIFA has previously suspended the implementation of disciplinary sanctions. | Football News

The president's latest move has generated outrage among the soccer community worldwide.

BRUSSELS, July 6 : Belgians on Monday berated FIFA over its decision to suspend a red-card ban for one of the United States' top players before the two teams' World Cup clash…

Global body suspends player’s one-match ban after Trump asks Infantino to review sending-off, says source

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleTrump brags about calling FIFA president to…

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAn awkward moment unfolded at the Oval…

His intervention and FIFA’s subsequent decision to unsuspend Folarin Balogun have made a complete mess of the tournament. Here’s the latest.

FIFA’s stunning decision to lift the suspension of a star U.S. player has riled the host country's next World Cup opponent, Belgium

After Donald Trump called the Fifa president to have Balogun’s red-card ban suspended, the USA striker could prove vital in a tough last-16 test

FIFA is facing massive backlash after overturning Folarin Balogun's red card suspension ahead of the United States' crucial FIFA World Cup Round of 16 clash with Belgium. The…

FIFA’s stunning decision to lift the suspension of a star U.S. player has riled the host country's next World Cup opponent, Belgium

How the Trump administration sought to overturn Folarin Balogun's World Cup suspension and the debate over politics in sports.

Trump called FIFA's president to reverse a US player's red card suspension before a World Cup knockout match against Belgium, sparking global backlash.