Trump thanks FIFA as USA coach Pochettino welcomes forgiveness of Balogun’s red card: ‘Everyone should celebrate’

United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino hugs Folarin Balogun of the United States. (AP photo) United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino has fully backed FIFA’s extraordinary decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s automatic one-match ban, insisting the decision upheld the principles of “ethics and integrity” as the co-hosts prepare for a sensational 2026 FIFA World Cup clash with Belgium.The decision, which also prompted US President Donald Trump to publicly thank FIFA, has become one of the tournament’s most controversial points, with Belgium threatening to explore legal options and several coaches questioning the precedent it has set.

“Everyone should celebrate”: Pochettino defends FIFA decision

Ahead of Monday’s knockout clash, Pochettino welcomed FIFA’s move to make Balogun available following the striker’s controversial red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.“I think anyone who has really looked at the sport and believes in ethics and integrity should celebrate this decision,” Pochettino told reporters.The former Argentina international argued that the United States had already suffered enough during their 2-0 win in the round of 32 when Balogun was sent off in the 64th minute following a VAR review.“We were punished enough against Bosnia and Herzegovina, we played with 10 men for 35 minutes after a decision that was completely unfair,” he said.Pochettino also said he was not surprised that President Donald Trump had personally contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of the incident.“I came from a culture, Argentina or Europe, that football, soccer is a religion, more than a religion,” Pochettino said. “If we keep going, we’ll keep going, tomorrow maybe one step more, you’ll see that this sport is magical, that this sport is amazing, it’s so powerful, it brings people together, it brings a country together like us.”

Referee Raphael Claus shows a red card to USA’s Folarin Balogun (R). (AP photo)

Trump welcomes turnaround; Belgian steam

According to reports, Trump called Infantino after the game in Bosnia and asked FIFA to review the red card shown to Balogun, the United States’ top scorer at the tournament with three goals.Following FIFA’s announcement, Trump praised the governing body on social media.“Thank you FIFA for doing the right thing and reversing a great injustice!” he wroteFIFA said the suspension was lifted under Article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, giving Balogun a one-year probationary period. If he commits a similar offense during this time, the suspended sanction would automatically take effect.The move appears to be the first time since the 1962 World Cup that a player sent off during the tournament has avoided automatic suspension.

Belgium disputes the legality of the decision

The Royal Belgian Football Association reacted angrily, describing itself as “surprised” by FIFA’s decision and questioning its legal basis.While acknowledging FIFA’s reliance on Article 27, the RBFA argued that Article 66.4 of the Disciplinary Rules clearly mandates an automatic suspension following a red card, noting that every subsequent suspension at this World Cup resulted in a one-match ban.Belgium coach Rudi Garcia also scoffed at the timing of the decision.“I didn’t know that in the FIFA offices, the fifth of July is the first of April in Europe,” Garcia joked, likening the ruling to an April Fool’s joke.Belgium’s federation said it was exploring “all potential options” to protect the “fundamental principles of fair play”, while Norway coach Ståle Solbakken warned the decision could set a dangerous precedent for future disciplinary decisions.