Balogun, Garrincha and Pinochet: FIFA’s controversial World Cup decisions | World Cup 2026 News | Al Jazeera
Navigation menu World Cup 2026 The United States’ World Cup campaign is mired in controversy after FIFA seemingly broke its own rules to allow star striker Folarin Balogun to face Belgium in Monday’s last 16 clash, despite picking up a red card in Wednesday’s Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. World football’s governing body announced it had suspended the automatic one-match ban after President Donald Trump phoned FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to urge him to review the case. Infantino reportedly bypassed his own 37-member council to unilaterally create and award Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during the World Cup draw. list 1 of 4Why FIFA’s Balogun red card suspension after Trump call is so controversial list 2 of 4Can ‘Trump’ card Balogun guide USA to quarterfinals? Belgium test awaits list 4 of 4World Cup: Mohamed Salah and the ghosts of Egypt’s ‘golden generation’
Published: July 6, 2026 5:41 pm
Source: Al Jazeera — Read original