‘They rigged the election and I have the World Cup’: Donald Trump praises Infantino for Balogun decision as he revives 2020 claims

U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino speak at a reception at Trump Tower in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. (AP Photo) US President Donald Trump said FIFA President Gianni Infantino made the right decision to suspend the red card he showed US forward Folarin Balogun ahead of the US’s World Cup Round of 16 match against Belgium, which the US ended up losing 4-1.Trump made the remarks during a reception at Trump Tower ahead of Friday’s FIFA Council meeting, two days before Sunday’s World Cup final.Trump and Infantino took the stage as Lee Greenwood’s God Bless the USA played over the speakers. The two stood on stage for over two minutes until the song ended before their speeches began.Both talked about the success of the tournament, highlighting attendance and television ratings. Infantino thanked Trump for his support in organizing the event.“You are performing the greatest human social and cultural event that humanity has ever seen,” Infantino said.During his speech, Trump again referred to what he described as a “stolen” 2020 US presidential election, following his televised address in which he made unverified claims that China interfered in the election.“I said, you know, I shouldn’t have been here right now. I should have been president for eight years,” Trump said, referring to the fact that if he won the 2020 election, he would leave office before the 2026 World Cup.“The polls showed it. Everyone showed it. They rigged the election. And what did I get? I got the World Cup. I got the Olympics. And I brought them here.”Trump then turned his attention to the United States men’s national team and Balogun’s disciplinary case.“You had some memorable moments, probably the most memorable is when they gave that gentleman (the red card),” Trump said.“And I was forced to call Gianni and just give him a recommendation. I said, Gianni, I’d like to make a recommendation. Keep the guy in the game. No, I didn’t say that. I said I’d like to file a complaint. And I really had no idea what was going to happen.”Balogun’s one-match suspension was overturned before the Belgium match, allowing him to play, although the United States were eliminated after a 4–1 defeat.Trump said the result removed any debate about whether the suspension affected the outcome.“You know, it’s much better … because there’s no controversy,” he said.“They won the game and our team had all their players. Think about it, if they didn’t let him, they would have said, ‘We would have won the game if we had our best players.’ So Gianni made another of his many good decisions.”Near the end of the event, Trump said he would like the United States to host another World Cup in the future.“We’re leaving Mexico and Canada this time,” he said, prompting laughter from the reception attendees.