World Cup 2026 LIVE: Trump taunted by Belgium after Fifa scandal as Infantino faces calls to resign | OneFootball

Fifa boss Gianni Infantino is facing increasing calls to resign his position as the controversy surrounding Donald Trump’s intervention in the World Cup rumbles on.

The US president was mocked by Belgium’s players after Rudi Garcia’s side beat the United States 4-1 to knock the tournament co-hosts out, while a taunt on social media appeared to reference the suspension of Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban by Fifa. Balogun was able to start in Seattle with his sanction postponed, a decision which followed a personal appeal by Trump to Infantino over the striker’s red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina to raise questions about the World Cup’s integrity.

In the end, it was not really a contest as Belgium became the sixth side into the World Cup quarter-finals against a subdued USA. Belgium will now face Spain in the last eight in Los Angeles on Friday.

‘Fifa needs purging, top to bottom’: Readers demand action on Infantino after Balogun red card row

Fifa is facing a fresh credibility crisis after Gianni Infantino intervened to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red-card ban, reportedly after a personal phone call from Donald Trump.

The decision let the USA striker play in their last-16 defeat to Belgium – a game the hosts lost heavily, with several Belgian players mocking Trump in celebration.

The backlash has been swift. Jurgen Klopp, Gary Lineker, Sepp Blatter and senior British politicians have all joined calls for Infantino to resign, accusing him of breaching Fifa’s own neutrality rules for the sake of a friendly US president.

Independent readers agree emphatically. In yesterday’s poll on whether Fifa made the right call, more than 5,000 people voted – and 93 per cent said no. Just 5 per cent backed the decision, with 2 per cent unsure.

Lauren MacDougall7 July 2026 13:30

Fifa Disciplinary Committee takes swipe at Uefa over criticism of Folarin Balogun ban decision

Fifa has dismissed criticism from Uefa after being accused of “crossing a red line” in its handling of Folarin Balogun’s red card and suspending the one-game ban to enable the USA striker to play in the World Cup last 16 tie against Belgium.

Fifa committee takes swipe at Uefa over criticism of Balogun ban decision

The world governing body’s Disciplinary Committee is upset at the wording of the Uefa criticism after US President Donald Trump confirmed he intervened over the controversial ban for the USMNT striker

Jack Rathborn7 July 2026 12:30

England consider Jarell Quansah red card appeal after Fifa set Balogun precedent

England say they are “considering all options” regarding an appeal of Jarell Quansah’s red card against Mexico on Sunday night.

Three Lions defender Quansah, starting just his second World Cup 2026 match, was sent off in the 54th minute after a VAR review for a studs-up tackle on Mexico’s Jesus Gallardo.

The sending off means Quansah is currently suspended for the quarter-final tie against Norway on Saturday and, via the rulebook, there is no formal grounds for an appeal.

However, the “suspension” of Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban on Sunday – meaning the USA striker could play against Belgium on Monday – has changed the game somewhat. Fifa invoked Article 27 of its disciplinary code, essentially handing Balogun a “probationary” sanction, and US president Donald Trump admitted on Monday that he called Fifa president Gianni Infantino to consider wiping Balogun’s ban.

Miguel Delaney7 July 2026 12:00

Fifa refereeing chief praises official criticised by Trump

The match official labelled “suspect” by United States President Donald Trump has been praised by Fifa referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina.

Trump criticised Brazilian referee Raphael Claus on Monday after he sent off US striker Folarin Balogun following a VAR review in the last-32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Balogun’s red card was controversially suspended on Sunday, allowing him to play in the Americans’ last-16 tie against Belgium which they lost 4-1 on Monday in Seattle.

Fifa issued a statement praising Claus as “one of the world’s leading professional referees and a valued member of Team One (the referees team) at the Fifa World Cup”.

It added: “Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.”

Folarin Balogun of the U.S. is shown a red card by referee Raphael Claus (Reuters)

Harry Latham-Coyle7 July 2026 11:30

WATCH: Balogun case brings karmic justice now, but maybe big future legal problems for Fifa

Balogun case brings karmic justice now, but maybe big future legal problems for Fifa

Miguel Delaney7 July 2026 11:10

USA manager Mauricio Pochettino disappointed over 'politics and manipulation'

Mauricio Pochettino admitted his disappointment at the “politics and manipulation” which overshadowed the United States’ World Cup exit following President Donald Trump’s intervention.

The co-hosts were dumped out of the competition in the last 16 after they were thumped 4-1 by Belgium in Seattle.

They did so with star man Folarin Balogun included in the starting line-up after the one-match ban he incurred for his dismissal during the 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous round was controversially suspended, with President Trump revealing he had asked Fifa president Gianni Infantino to review the situation.

Asked afterwards if the outcry the decision sparked had affected he and his players, USA head coach Pochettino told the BBC: “It didn’t affect our performance. It’s not an excuse. It wasn’t our day.

“But in a personal way, what is the point to insult or receive a lot of bad messages?

“It’s a rule for the federation to apply and to try [to overturn the ban]. My position was to train the team. If Balogun is available because FIFA allow for you to have the player, it’s not a problem.

“I feel disappointed with too many people. They put politics and manipulation, talk about ethics and integrity [first]. If we talk about the history of this game, I am disappointed in a personal way.”

Mauricio Pochettino was disappointed after the USA’s defeat (AP)

Harry Latham-Coyle7 July 2026 11:00

Belgium manager reveals what he told Folarin Balogun after win over USA: ‘It’s not his fault’

Belgium manager Rudi Garcia has revealed that Folarin Balogun sought him out for a chat after the United States striker’s controversial involvement in the World Cup round of 16 clash.

Belgium manager reveals what he told Balogun after USA win: ‘It’s not his fault’

Balogun was permitted to play the World Cup round of 16 clash after his ban was suspended by Fifa

Harry Latham-Coyle7 July 2026 10:15