Fox News reports President Trump detailing his call with FIFA President Gianni Infantino about the controversial red card given to American player Folarin Balogun during the 2026 World Cup.
Trump stated he requested a review because he believed it wasn't a foul—"two great athletes crashing into each other"—and praised the outcome while criticizing the referee's original decision.
The intervention has triggered widespread debate over political influence in sports, with critics calling it interference and supporters viewing it as standing up for fair play.
BREAKING: President Trump reveals the details of his conversation with FIFA President Gianni Infantino over the controversial red card call on star American player Folarin Balogun.
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 6, 2026
"All I did was ask for a review because I didn't think it was a foul. And, you know, again, I'm… pic.twitter.com/MD5Q9t44th
Fox News is reporting on a meeting between US President Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino; Trump reportedly wants the red card given to American player Folarin Balogun reviewed on the grounds that it was not a foul. Trump criticized the referee's decision in what he described as a "collision between two great athletes," stating that his request for a review yielded a "brilliant" result. The incident fuels discussions about the politicization of sports and the susceptibility of referee decisions to outside interference during the 2026 World Cup.