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Tag: USMNT

  • FIFA Lifts US Star Folarin Balogun’s Red Card Suspension After Trump’s Appeal to Infantino

    FIFA Lifts US Star Folarin Balogun’s Red Card Suspension After Trump’s Appeal to Infantino

    FIFA has lifted the one-match suspension of Folarin Balogun, allowing the United States striker to feature in his country’s Round of 16 clash against Belgium at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following an appeal from Donald Trump to FIFA President **Gianni Infantino>.

    Balogun had been shown a red card during the United States’ 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina after stepping on defender Tarik Muharemović’s ankle in an incident that followed a VAR review. Under FIFA regulations, the dismissal carried an automatic one-match suspension.

    However, FIFA announced that the suspension would be placed on a one-year probationary basis under Article 27 of its disciplinary code, making Balogun immediately eligible to return for the knockout match against Belgium. The governing body did not provide further details beyond citing the disciplinary provision.

    According to reports, President Trump personally contacted Infantino after the match, requesting that FIFA review the controversial red card. The White House intervention came after widespread debate among football analysts and supporters, many of whom argued that the contact appeared accidental rather than deserving of a straight red card.

    Trump later welcomed FIFA’s decision, describing it as the correct outcome and thanking the organization for reversing what he called an unfair punishment.

    The decision has generated strong reactions internationally. Belgian football officials criticized FIFA’s move, questioning the consistency of tournament disciplinary procedures and indicating they are considering legal options through the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

    Balogun has been one of the standout performers for the United States during the tournament, scoring three goals and playing a central role in the team’s progression to the knockout stage. His availability is expected to provide a significant boost as the Americans pursue their first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 2002.

    The incident has also reignited discussions about FIFA’s disciplinary process, VAR decisions, and the extent to which extraordinary circumstances can influence tournament rulings.

    With Balogun cleared to play, attention now shifts to the highly anticipated Round of 16 encounter, where the United States will attempt to overcome Belgium and continue its World Cup campaign.

    Swifteradio.com

  • Alexi Lalas Blasts USMNT ‘Whining’ Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

    Alexi Lalas Blasts USMNT ‘Whining’ Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

    Former U.S. soccer star Alexi Lalas has criticized members of the U.S. Men’s National Team for discussing pressure ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling them “a bunch of whiners” as expectations rise for the host nation.

    Speaking during a Fox Sports event promoting its World Cup coverage, Lalas dismissed concerns surrounding the pressure of playing on home soil and said today’s U.S. players have been given every opportunity to succeed.

    “Cry me a river when it comes to the pressure,” Lalas said. “This is a generation that has been given absolutely everything both on and off the field in terms of resources, opportunities and pathways.”

    The outspoken former defender, who played for the United States during the 1994 World Cup hosted in America, said he expects more from the current squad and believes the team should comfortably advance from the group stage.

    The comments come after Christian Pulisic acknowledged earlier this year that pressure exists heading into the tournament but insisted he and the team are ready to handle it.

    “There’s pressure, I feel it,” Pulisic said in March. “But it’s nothing that I can’t handle.”

    Lalas also offered a mixed assessment of Pulisic, praising his talent while questioning his leadership qualities. The AC Milan forward has struggled recently, failing to score in his last 18 Serie A matches and enduring his longest scoring drought with the national team since 2024.

    “He’s well on his way to becoming the best male American soccer player in history,” Lalas said. “But he’s never going to be the leader people want him to be — and that’s OK. He needs to be the star this team requires.”

    The former U.S. international believes the Americans should at least reach the Round of 16 at the expanded 2026 World Cup and potentially challenge for a quarterfinal spot with the support of home fans.

    The tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, runs from June 11 to July 19 and will feature an expanded 48-team format.

    During the Fox Sports panel discussion, several football personalities shared their World Cup predictions. Carli Lloyd and Stu Holden backed France to win the tournament, while host Rebecca Lowe and former Mexican striker Javier Hernández tipped England.

    Lalas jokingly said he was rooting for “anybody but England,” warning that an English World Cup victory on American soil would be unbearable during the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.

    Meanwhile, retired Swedish football legend Zlatan Ibrahimović challenged the panel for lacking confidence in the U.S. team, urging them to boldly predict an American World Cup triumph.