Trump admits calling FIFA president over Balogun's red card

US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that he asked FIFA to review the red card decision against US forward Folarin Balogun, as criticism mounts over the suspension of his one-match ban.

Balogun was shown a straight red card in the 64th minute of the US's 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last-32 match for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic. Under the rules, he would have been automatically suspended for the last-16 match against Belgium.

On Sunday, FIFA suspended the one-match ban, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium. Earlier, reports including The New York Times said Trump had called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a reconsideration of the decision.

Amid widespread speculation and criticism, Trump confirmed his role in the incident on Monday at the Oval Office. "I just asked for a review because I didn't think it was a foul," he told journalists.

After the suspension was announced, Trump had thanked FIFA on Truth Social, writing, "Thank you to FIFA for doing the right thing and correcting a great injustice!"

The US will face Belgium in the quarter-final clash at 6:00 am Bangladesh time on Tuesday, July 7.