Trump fought birthright citizenship. Now he's helped keep 'accidental American' Folarin Balogun at World Cup

One of the biggest stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not just about football. It's about irony.

US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly sought to end birthright citizenship, has stepped in to help keep a player whose American citizenship exists because of that very law on the pitch.

The player is Folarin Balogun, the United States' leading scorer at the tournament. Born in Brooklyn in 2001 while his British-Nigerian parents were visiting the US, Balogun automatically became an American citizen under the 14th Amendment. Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children born to tourists, though the policy was later struck down by the US Supreme Court.

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Now, the president has personally intervened to ensure Balogun can continue representing the United States at the World Cup.

From red card to dramatic reprieve

The controversy began during the United States' 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Balogun was shown a straight red card in the 64th minute after a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic. Under FIFA rules, the dismissal carried an automatic one-match suspension, ruling him out of Monday's Round of 16 clash against Belgium.

That appeared to be the end of the story, until the White House got involved.

According to US officials, Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to express concerns over the suspension and seek a review of the decision. The US government also submitted additional evidence to an independent review panel.

On Sunday, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code, replacing Balogun's immediate suspension with a one-year probationary period, making him eligible to play against Belgium.

Trump welcomed the decision on Truth Social, posting: "Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!"

Belgium calls foul

The decision has caused outrage in Belgium.

The Royal Belgian Football Association said it was "astonished" by FIFA's ruling, arguing that a straight red card should automatically result in a one-match ban under tournament regulations. Belgian officials are now exploring legal options, claiming the decision contradicts the principles of fair play.

For US coach Mauricio Pochettino, however, the ruling is a huge boost. Balogun, who has already scored three goals in the tournament, will now spearhead the American attack in one of the most anticipated, and controversial, matches of the World Cup.