President Trump intervened with FIFA regarding a red card issued to American footballer Folarin Balogun, who was suspended following the U.S. team's victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina for stepping on an opponent's ankle. The intervention came before a scheduled USA-Belgium World Cup match, following Belgium's appeal of FIFA's decision to allow Balogun to participate in the fixture.

Trump's direct pressure on the international sports body provoked contrasting responses. Multiple journalists and political commentators expressed concern about the appropriateness of executive intervention in FIFA's governance and decision-making processes. Conversely, some television personalities and public figures publicly supported Trump's efforts to advocate for the American player. The incident raised broader questions about the proper relationship between political leadership and independent sports organisations.