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President Donald Trump has yet to attend a 2026 FIFA World Cup game -Credit:Andrew Harnik, Getty Images
U.S. Men's National Team fans have urged President Donald Trump to step in after Folarin Balogun received a contentious red card at the FIFA World Cup.
The host nation booked a Round of 16 game against Belgium following a 2-0 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina, with Balogun finding the net again late in the opening half.
However, the first goal represented only part of the narrative for the forward, who was issued a straight red card for a tackle on Tarik Muharemovic, seemingly unintentionally dragging his cleats down his rival's calf. The ruling triggered outrage among the USMNT players and coaching staff, via The Mirror US.
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Balogun will now sit out the Round of 16 match as the USMNT cannot challenge the ruling due to FIFA's explicit regulations. Article 66.4 states: "A sending-off automatically incurs suspension from the subsequent match. The FIFA judicial bodies may impose additional match suspensions and other disciplinary measures."
Still, that hasn't prevented USMNT supporters from appealing to the President, requesting he leverage his connections with soccer's governing body to have the ruling reversed.
Numerous fans flocked to social media to demand Trump 'makes some calls' regarding the ruling. One supporter added: "Trump needs to appeal to FIFA and do an executive order..
Another social media user asked: "Why hasn't Trump pardoned Balogun yet?" while others proposed he exchange his FIFA Peace Prize to have the ruling overturned.
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Trump received the inaugural award from FIFA President Gianni Infantino last December, with the pair's relationship continuing to draw scrutiny. A formal complaint was subsequently filed, calling for an investigation into the selection process and alleging that Infantino violated political neutrality guidelines.
The President has yet to attend a single game at this summer's tournament, despite the impressive performances of Mauricio Pochettino's side.
Reports emerged last week of growing concerns surrounding Trump's attendance at games, after chants connecting him to disgraced pedophile Jeffrey Epstein were heard echoing around venues.
A source said: "There isn't a fan alive who doesn't know how fragile Trump's ego is. In recent months, he has had to contend with widespread booing whenever he attends major sporting events in America, but this is another level entirely.
"His staff are in crisis mode trying to prevent the President from being exposed to the chants in person, and that includes avoiding matches involving English-speaking teams."
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