Trump intervenes clearing U.S. striker Balogun to play today

FIFA suspended Folarin Balogun's automatic red-card ban, clearing the US striker for the World Cup last-16 match against Belgium. This unprecedented move occurred after President Donald Trump personally urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the case. While the US benefits from Balogun's availability, Belgium expressed dissatisfaction. The decision has raised concerns regarding the influence of political pressure in sports and whether such a precedent could potentially undermine the overall fairness of the tournament.