1. The U.S. World Cup team was eliminated in the round of 16 after a 4-1 loss to Belgium. [para. 1] The match was overshadowed by controversy when FIFA “stayed” a red card suspension for U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, allowing him to start. [para. 1] President Donald Trump acknowledged he personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the suspension. [para. 2] Infantino later distanced himself, claiming the decision was made by independent judicial bodies. [para. 3]
2. The suspension reprieve was highly unusual. [para. 4] Under FIFA rules, a red card requires at least a one-match suspension. [para. 4] In World Cup history, 189 red cards have been issued, and only Balogun and Brazil's Garrincha in 1962 (before automatic bans were introduced) avoided a subsequent ban. [para. 4] The decision stunned soccer officials and fans. [para. 6] The Belgian federation protested but was denied standing. [para. 6] European soccer federations and UEFA accused FIFA of violating fair-play principles due to apparent political interference, severely damaging the competition's credibility. [para. 7][para. 8] Despite the controversy, Balogun started the match and set up the United States' only goal. [para. 9]
3. The Balogun case was the most visible example of political intrusion in the tournament, but it was not the only one. [para. 10][para. 11] The Iranian team faced severe U.S. restrictions amid ongoing tensions. [para. 12] Iran was forced to move its base camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico. [para. 13] Players were allowed into the U.S. only the day before each match and had to leave immediately after. [para. 13] Over a dozen delegation members failed to obtain visas, players' families could not attend, and all ticket allocations for Iran were cancelled. [para. 14] Similar entry issues affected a Somali referee and an Iraqi forward. [para. 15] FIFA was criticized for not intervening in these issues, while Infantino repeatedly thanked Trump at news conferences. [para. 16]
4. FIFA historically claims independence from politics as a core principle, suspending countries over government interference. [para. 18] Critics accused Infantino of applying a different standard when the U.S. is involved. [para. 19] Infantino developed a close relationship with Trump. [para. 20] In May 2025, he arrived over two hours late to the FIFA Congress after accompanying Trump on a diplomatic trip, prompting a UEFA delegate walkout over prioritized “private political interests.” [para. 20] FIFA later announced an office in Trump Tower, and Infantino presented Trump with the FIFA Peace Prize. [para. 21][para. 22] European anger deepened, leading to calls from figures like Jürgen Klopp and David Bernstein, and an initiative in the European Parliament for an investigation. [para. 23]
5. Despite the criticism, Infantino appears secure in his position. [para. 24][para. 25] He is running for a fourth consecutive term unopposed. [para. 26] He has the backing of South America’s CONMEBOL, the African Football Confederation, and the Asian Football Confederation, representing 111 of the 211 member votes—more than the 106 needed to win. [para. 27] He built this support by expanding the World Cup to 48 teams (increasing Asia’s allocation to 8.5 slots and Africa’s to 9.5 slots) and by more than doubling FIFA development grants for member associations. [para. 28][para. 29] These regions have not wavered in their support despite the Balogun controversy. [para. 30] Trump and Infantino are expected to appear together on July 19 to present the World Cup trophy. [para. 30]
AI generated, for reference only
Sign in with Google
Sign in with Facebook
Sign in with 财新