The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) is set to file a formal complaint over Donald Trump's political interference in rescinding Folarin Balogun's World Cup red card. President Lise Klaveness condemned FIFA's decision-making process, while US Soccer officials and Balogun himself reflected on the intense controversy that engulfed the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup is over, and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. With the expanded 48-nation tournament coming to a close, following a month of thrilling action in North America, which star has taken home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL lists the tournament's most prolific performers.
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.
Folarin Balogun has joined Klutch Sports following an impressive World Cup that boosted his profile on and off the pitch. The USMNT forward becomes the first footballer to sign directly with LeBron James' agency as he looks to build on his growing influence in the game.
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.
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.
USMNT star Folarin Balogun has issued a heartfelt apology to supporters following the United States' humbling exit from the 2026 World Cup. The Monaco striker was at the center of a global firestorm after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina was sensationally overturned by FIFA, allowing him to feature in the 4-1 Round of 16 defeat to Belgium.
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.
Belgium head coach Rudi Garcia has defended United States striker Folarin Balogun following their World Cup round-of-16 encounter in Seattle. The pre-match build-up had been heavily dominated by FIFA’s highly controversial decision to suspend Balogun’s red-card ban, prompting widespread criticism before Belgium secured a 4-1 victory.
Donald Trump confirmed that he asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun's red card, after the American was sent off during the USMNT's fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The one-game ban imposed by the contentious decision was soon suspended for a year, leaving Balogun able to play in the U.S.'s World Cup round of 16 fixture against Belgium.
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