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Inter Miami CF v Atlanta United

Batson discusses Trump's involvement with Balogun's red card

ATLANTA -- U.S. Soccer CEO J.T. Batson addressed the White House’s involvement in the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun’s World Cup suspension, saying President Donald Trump “is able to do what the President wants to do.” Trump’s call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino before Balogun’s one-match ban was suspended has drawn widespread criticism, although FIFA has maintained that its disciplinary process was independent.

Lionel Messi Donald Trump

White House confirms Trump will attend World Cup final

President Donald Trump will attend Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the White House confirmed Thursday afternoon. Last year, Trump presented Chelsea FC with the FIFA Club World Cup trophy and has built a well-known friendship with Gianni Infantino. The American President, however, found himself in controversy as he acknowledged reaching out to FIFA about Folarin Balogun's red card - which was ultimately suspended.

Messi Mbappe Haaland World Cup Golden boot 16:9

World Cup Golden Boot standings: Messi climbs to No.1

The 2026 World Cup is in its final stages and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. With only four of the original 48 nations left in the tournament, including England and France due to their participation in the third-place play-off match, which star will take home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL tracks the tournament's most prolific stars.

Folarin Balogun USMNT 2026 World Cup

Balogun admits USMNT were affected by 'unfortunate' red card saga

Folarin Balogun has opened up on the "unfortunate" circumstances that saw the United States men's national team thrust into a political storm during the 2026 World Cup. The striker admitted that his team-mates were visibly affected by the outside noise after his red card suspension was sensationally overturned by FIFA, as the USMNT subsequently suffered a 4-1 loss to Belgium in the round of 16.

Steve Cherundolo

Cherundolo named head coach of U.S. U-23s ahead of Olympics

Former U.S. Men's National Team defender and Los Angeles FC head coach Steve Cherundolo is returning to U.S. Soccer as he takes over the U.S. Under-23 Men's National Team ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics, which will be held in Los Angeles. The U.S. will take part in the Olympic tournament for just the third time in 20 years after failing to qualify in 2012, 2016 and 2020.

Mexico v South Africa: Group A - FIFA World Cup 2026

Infantino faces EU probe over Balogun saga

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing a major political storm after 72 European lawmakers called for a formal investigation into his conduct. The backlash follows the controversial decision to suspend United States striker Folarin Balogun’s ban during the World Cup after direct intervention from the White House.

Folarin Balogun USMNT 2026 World Cup

Not Balogun! Villa prediction sees keeper preferred to USMNT star

Aston Villa have been credited with interest in Folarin Balogun, but Stan Collymore has told GOAL why Unai Emery is likely to favour another 2026 World Cup star over a United States international that made plenty of headlines at FIFA’s flagship event. The Villans are looking to bolster their ranks from back to front during the summer, with comings and goings being mooted.

Mauricio Pochettino GFX

What next for Poch & USA after embarassing World Cup exit?

In the moments after the United States' World Cup ended, Mauricio Pochettino was asked about his future as manager. It wasn't the time to discuss it, he said, and he was right. The aftermath of a nightmare 4-1 thrashing by Belgium was not the time to talk about whatever comes next, especially when he was the coach in charge of that collapse.

Chelsea FC v Paris Saint-Germain: Final - FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Legendary referee Collina hits back at Trump over 'very suspect' claims

Pierluigi Collina has issued a firm rebuttal to United States President Donald Trump following explosive comments regarding the integrity of World Cup match officials. The legendary former referee, now serving as FIFA's Referees Committee Chairman, moved quickly to protect the reputation of the tournament's officiating staff after personal attacks were directed at Brazilian referee Raphael Claus.