The winner of the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize has weighed in on a crucial decision.
United States men's national team striker Folarin Balogun will be available for the USMNT's 2026 World Cup round of 16 matchup vs. Belgium, a stunning development after he was set to serve an automatic one-game ban.
President Donald Trump, the recipient of the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize, weighed in on the decision on Sunday, July 5.
"Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice! President DONALD J. TRUMP," he posted on Truth Social.
Balogun, who was assessed a controversial red card in the USMNT's Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, was set to serve an automatic one-game suspension under FIFA rules. However, the governing body referred to article 27 in the FIFA Disciplinary Code as reason for the loophole.
"In line with article 27 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the implementation of the match suspension is suspended for a probationary period of one year," a FIFA statement read. "If Folarin Balogun commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement."
Through three matches in the World Cup, Balogun has netted three goals. He's also been assessed one yellow card and one red card in the tournament.
The USMNT has an opportunity to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002 with a win vs. Belgium on Monday night.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented Trump the first-ever FIFA Peace Price in December 2025.
Source: USA Today
