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Monday, July 06, 2026

President Donald Trump's role in FIFA's stunning decision to allow striker Folarin Balogun to be eligible to play against Belgium on Monday in Seattle is under the microscope.

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This is sure to make other countries think FIFA is on the level, especially after Trump got the "FIFA Peace Prize."

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-- Mark Jacob (@markjacob.bsky.social) 3:30 PM · Jul 5, 2026

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Congrats to the USA... designated winners of the 2026 World Cup!

#1 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-07-05 10:49 PM | Reply

Another view ...

Can Gianni Infantino keep winning over Trump without losing the world?
www.politico.com

... That success is beginning to weaken Infantino, as the third-term FIFA president faces newfound internal opposition for his over-the-top courtship of Trump. Our interviews with six international soccer officials across three continents reveal widespread frustration with Infantino's decision to side with Trump...

"The extent of this cozy relationship that we've seen and and the public character that has been assumed between Mr. Infantino and Mr. Trump is different even from what we saw in the past," said Miguel Maduro, former chairman of FIFA's governance and review committee. "It's not that things like that didn't happen in the past, but it didn't happen so obviously and so emphatically as they do now."

Our reporting found that Infantino did not inform his 37-member FIFA Council before creating the FIFA Peace Prize this year, three people familiar with the matter told POLITICO. Over the past year, at least three of FIFA's eight vice presidents have publicly or privately expressed their concerns about the lengths Infantino is willing to go to please Trump. ...


#2 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-07-05 11:00 PM | Reply

FIFA stunned the world by giving a bogus peace prize to a serial------------.

#3 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2026-07-05 11:21 PM | Reply

Wonderful England vs Mexico match.

Surprised this site only has political threads about the WC, and very little, to nothing about the best world cup matches I have ever seen.

#4 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-07-05 11:44 PM | Reply

Pedo 47's buddy from Epstein Island Howie Nutlick was also involved.

www.politico.com

#5 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2026-07-05 11:44 PM | Reply

LAPD issues citywide tactical alert before end of Mexico-England World Cup match
www.nbclosangeles.com

#6 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-07-05 11:47 PM | Reply | Funny: 1

"Deflector shields to max!!!"

#7 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-07-05 11:49 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Who gives a s*^%? It doesn't affect any of our lives in a meaningful way and FIFA is corrupt as hell anyway.

Anyone surprised at this is obtuse or ignorant.

#8 | Posted by jpw at 2026-07-06 12:55 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

FIFA is corrupt as hell anyway

That is certainly a well known point.

#9 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-07-06 01:11 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

"Everything Trump touches dies."

Thanks to Rick Wilson for that pithy, all too accurate observation. And so it is now, with the US soccer team and one player in particular: Folarin Balogun
.
No matter what happens in the games for the remainder of the competition, anything US players might accomplish from this point on comes with an asterisk explaining some nefarious goings on between FIFA's odious Gianni Infantino and the corrupt Trump. Same for whatever Balogun might do, b3cause that, too, must now labor under the burden of that explanatory asterisk.

Trump's ongoing ensh#ttification of America gathers steam.

Thanks, MAGAts, you built this.

#10 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-07-06 07:13 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

You morons are so full of ----, you weren't paying attention, now you have some small kernel to grasp on to. Anything to see America lose.

You hate that something good is happening, hate it more that its happening under Trump.
Trump didn't do anything any other country hasn't done.

From Politico Journalist.

FULL timeline of the campaign to bring Balogun back, according to a half dozen U.S. government & soccer officials:
- Wednesday after U.S.-Bosnia match: Andrew Giuliani alerted Trump to the red card (Trump & Giuliani had been talking multiple times/week since start of World Cup and regularly before that.)
- Wed night: Giuliani, Lutnick and U.S. Soccer officials began activating on plans to challenge red card
- That kicked off 4 days of coordinated lobbying, legal maneuvering & diplomacy that stretched from Oval Office to Zurich
- On *Thursday* Trump dialed Gianni Infantino and asked abt FIFA's rules around the red card decision and grounds for suspension. (They've known each other for 8 yrs.)
- FIFA declined to confirm any specific discussions but reiterated to POLITICO that the decision to suspend the one-match ban was made by an independent disciplinary committee.
- As U.S. Soccer's legal team formally prepared & submitted its appeal to FIFA, Giuliani + Lutnick offered to make White House attorneys available to assist
- At the same time, Giuliani and Scott Goodwin " a hedge-fund manager who had helped pay the salary of Mauricio Pochettino " zeroed in on the officiating history of referee Raphael Claus
-Articles examining previous controversies involving Claus circulated among senior gov officials as they evaluated every argument that could bolster the appeal
- On FIFA side, Emilio Garca, who oversees the legal affairs of FIFA, advised Infantino on the available procedural options
- Garca + other FIFA officials worked to determine whether the circumstances of Balogun's tackle met the narrow standards that would allow the disciplinary decision to be revisited
- By Sunday, FIFA announced that Balogun's one-match suspension would be suspended
- FIFA insists that the decision was an independent one made by its 18-person disciplinary committee, but it would not say whether the decision was decided through a vote, and it has not published a report on the decision.
x.com

TL:CR

Trump only asked about the rule, the White House-affiliated lawyers offered to help the USMNT if needed, and the process went through all official channels. The player is still on a probation. Its not the first time its happened in WC.

That's the big scandal that has Lumpers dumping in their diapers.

#11 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-07-06 07:41 AM | Reply | Funny: 1

#11
Bottom line: Steve Miller says you can withdraw your tongue from Trump's Depends in ... three ... two ... one ... now!

#12 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-07-06 07:51 AM | Reply | Funny: 1

#11 | POSTED BY ONEIRONAUT

The idea that Donald Trump just should have kept his big fat ass out of it means nothing to you?

Playing this game now comes down to whose Head of State has the most influence?

Trump/MAGA culture.

Not American at all.

#13 | Posted by Zed at 2026-07-06 10:59 AM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Nothing is as it seems.

Nothing can be trusted.

One thing is for sure.

If this administration does not get its way it cheats and lies.

Yay us?

#14 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-07-06 11:09 AM | Reply

Jeff is nothing but a cowardly midget

#15 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2026-07-06 11:10 AM | Reply

I wonder what's going on with the betting parlors and this bit of mishegoss.

images-us.bookshop.org

#16 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-07-06 11:11 AM | Reply

"Anything to see America lose."

I'd like to see America win. But. Win fair and square.

I am not interested in seeing us win by cheating by attempting to rig the outcome.

Just because Trumpy and his hateful acolytes love to cheat. And apparently can only win by cheating. Don't think we all think that way.

#17 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-07-06 11:43 AM | Reply

I am not interested in seeing us win by cheating by attempting to rig the outcome.

The US has to win one way or another. It would be bad optics for Lewzer to keep the trophy if the US lost. But he would anyway.

The other teams might as well just forfeit their matches and go home now.

#18 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-07-06 12:25 PM | Reply

#11 | Posted by oneironaut

STFU you stupid pile of worthless s*&^.

#19 | Posted by jpw at 2026-07-06 01:23 PM | Reply

You know if the US wins Trump will then take credit for it. Will probably force his way into the awards ceremony and stand there on stage clapping like a brain dead seal trying to get his hands on the trophy.

Anybody supporting Trump at this point is just a sad pile of stupid s*&^ with zero character, morals, values, integrity ect ect ect.

#20 | Posted by jpw at 2026-07-06 01:25 PM | Reply

In other news

Keir Starmer personally stepped in to stop FIFA bringing forward England's kick-off last night as he feared Mexico were trying to gain an advantage.
t.co

I'd like to see America win. But. Win fair and square.

You're lying. It is fair and square, you don't know the rules. A process was followed. Its happened numerous times in FIFA's history.

The US has to win one way or another. It would be bad optics for Lewzer to keep the trophy if the US lost. But he would anyway.

You're just upset because Canada is out. Stop posting about US Soccer like a hater.

#21 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-07-06 01:39 PM | Reply

The other teams might as well just forfeit their matches and go home now.

A lewzer would say.

#22 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-07-06 01:40 PM | Reply


#11
Bottom line: Steve Miller says you can withdraw your tongue from Trump's Depends in ... three ... two ... one ... now!
#12 | POSTED BY DOC_SARVIS

Wow great come back ... this is such sad place for a website that calls itself "retort".

Its not even clever.

#23 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-07-06 01:42 PM | Reply

If I were the carded player, I would show the game how much I care about it's rules and traditions, informing the coach I will not take the field against Belgium--thereby shining a Klieg Light on the corrupt way Trump & the FIFA suits "wished" the card into the corn field. Everything is for sale now...even ethics, evidently.

#24 | Posted by dutch46 at 2026-07-06 01:44 PM | Reply

Got your attention, Cletus.

#25 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-07-06 01:44 PM | Reply

My #25 directed to #23, who struggles.

#26 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-07-06 01:48 PM | Reply

-FIFA is corrupt as hell anyway.

compared to the Olympics?

#27 | Posted by eberly at 2026-07-06 01:49 PM | Reply

People are surprised the same FIFA that gave Trump a fake award so the fat ---- covered baby would shut up has given Trump a reversal on the red card?

The is the most fixed sporting event in history.

#28 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-07-06 01:55 PM | Reply

CSAMRUNT, when do your beloved orcs play?

#29 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2026-07-06 01:55 PM | Reply

compared to the Olympics?

The IOC is second only to FIFA as the most corrupt organization in sports.

#30 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-07-06 02:00 PM | Reply

A process was followed. Its happened numerous times in FIFA's history.

Look at this stupid pile of s*&^ justifying this.

#31 | Posted by jpw at 2026-07-06 02:00 PM | Reply

You're just upset because Canada is out.

Not at all. Canada, like the USA, is not a powerhouse soccer team and should not be expected to win.

#32 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-07-06 02:02 PM | Reply

No worries..

#33 | Posted by dutch46 at 2026-07-06 02:06 PM | Reply

What's so corrupt about FIFA?

Honestly, I don't follow FIFA....I know nothing.

I suspect 99% of the bitching about this is from folks who know about as much as I do about FIFA. They're just pissed about the optics that Trump got a player reinstated.

but 1% of it might be actual kernels of knowledge.

#34 | Posted by eberly at 2026-07-06 02:06 PM | Reply

-Not at all. Canada, like the USA, is not a powerhouse soccer team and should not be expected to win.

So with this player, the US isn't expected to win...and yet.....the drama anyway?

#35 | Posted by eberly at 2026-07-06 02:08 PM | Reply

the US isn't expected to win..

I said they shouldn't be expected to win. With Lewzer/FIFA's thumb on the scale, who knows?

#36 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-07-06 02:17 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

FIFA ignores demands for reasons it reversed Balogun's red card
www.msn.com

... Almost everyone has offered an opinion about whether or not US striker Folarin Balogun deserved a red card, apart from the only people who matter: FIFA.

On Sunday, FIFA overturned a one-match suspension of Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium in the seismic last-16 clash on Monday evening in Seattle. It has yet to explain why it reversed the red card, a decision that isn't only unprecedented during a World Cup, but also against its own rules.

"If you're going to run a rules-based organization rather than something authoritarian," said Alastair Campbell, a partner at Level Law, "you need to explain your decision making." ...

Over the following days, US Soccer and President Donald Trump both lobbied FIFA President Gianni Infantino to reverse the decision.

FIFA, which has long touted its supposed political neutrality, has faced intense pressure over the past few days. Speaking at the White House on Monday, Trump confirmed calling Infantino following the referee's decision to suspend Balogun and said he thought Balogun didn't commit a foul. ...



#37 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-07-06 02:20 PM | Reply

Optics? Seeing how you've completely lost the plot, I can only assume the stiff-necked, knee-jerk superficiality of your assessment is, evidently, your "tell." These days, one slavishly fluffs Trump at one's peril.

#38 | Posted by dutch46 at 2026-07-06 02:25 PM | Reply

My God... You people

BWAAA... so completely illiterate and stupid of current / FIFA events..... Here's some facts....

Lionel Messi... Red card.... Red card suspended.

REYNALDO... red card.... Red card suspended...

Uh oh... You people probably don't know who Reynaldo is...

Ahhhh ha ha ha. See less

#39 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2026-07-06 02:27 PM | Reply

#39

Yup, you, Infantini, and Trump ... rest of the planet so clearly out of step.

#40 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-07-06 02:31 PM | Reply

....you dumbfx aren't getting is red card was given from booth using still pics..

. Which is not the proper procedure for red card ... GD you people are dumb.

#41 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2026-07-06 02:35 PM | Reply

You're posting to yourself again ... Nurse!

#42 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-07-06 02:37 PM | Reply

. If the Norwegian superstar stud had a red card yesterday... He wouldn't have one today.

And you --- sarvis... I don't give a chit about your ---- opinions on anything.

#43 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2026-07-06 02:41 PM | Reply

ou're posting to yourself again ... Nurse!

#42 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis

okay with me....here comes mine now.

media1.giphy.com

#44 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2026-07-06 02:52 PM | Reply

What's amazing about this is seeing MAGA pretending they care about soccer.

It's actually very funny.

#45 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-07-06 02:54 PM | Reply

And you --- sarvis... I don't give a chit about your ---- opinions on anything.
#43 | POSTED BY SHRIMPTACODAN

Of course you do. It's why you have to respond when tickled, kiddo. Just can't control that itch, can ya?

#46 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-07-06 02:56 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

don't worry.....i'v got for you...

---

media0.giphy.com

#47 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2026-07-06 02:58 PM | Reply

-With Lewzer/FIFA's thumb on the scale, who knows?

Has the host country for the WC ever faced a similar accusation regarding favorable treatment?

#48 | Posted by eberly at 2026-07-06 02:58 PM | Reply

-What's amazing about this is seeing MAGA pretending they care about soccer.

Admittingly, I've watched more soccer in the last few weeks than I've seen in my entire life.

I'm not defending the decision to reinstate this player.

#49 | Posted by eberly at 2026-07-06 03:01 PM | Reply

What's amazing about this is seeing MAGA pretending they care about soccer.

It's actually very funny.

#45 | Posted by ClownShack

Another stupid -dumb remark from an illiterate dope not from the real world.
Soccer fields all over the country are filled with maga patriots.

Stay in your lane... Ala... Freaksville USA.

#50 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2026-07-06 03:05 PM | Reply

"Honestly, I don't follow FIFA....I know nothing."

Apparently you should preface all your posts with that line.

#51 | Posted by donnerboy at 2026-07-06 03:06 PM | Reply

-Apparently you should preface all your posts with that line.

why? You're saying I should pretend to know more about a specific subject than I really do?

I know it's the norm here, yourself included.

But I'm just not that dishonest.

#52 | Posted by eberly at 2026-07-06 03:07 PM | Reply

Soccer fields all over the country are filled with maga patriots.

Not sure why.

Do you?

You a soccer fan all of a sudden?

What's your favorite MLS team?

#53 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-07-06 03:08 PM | Reply

MAGA just adopted this Paraguayan twunt as one of their own.

Celeste Amarilla (Paraguayan senator), on Kylian Mbapp: "This brute hasn't even learned to write. Instead of breastmilk, he grew up sucking on coconuts, and the most educated creatures he ever heard were chimpanzees.

#54 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2026-07-06 03:10 PM | Reply

Admittingly, I've watched more soccer in the last few weeks than I've seen in my entire life.

I'm not trying to diminish your new found enthusiasm for soccer.

And it's not just on the DR.

Suddenly all of social media is flooded with MAGA posting about how patriotic they are for supporting FIFA overturning the red card.

Most of them get the facts wrong or are clearly posting someone else's opinion.

But it's fascinating to witness.

#55 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-07-06 03:11 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Belgium fumes after FIFA clears Balogun following Trump call
www.msn.com

... Belgium has reacted with a mixture of anger and defiance to an unusual move from football's governing body FIFA to overturn a suspension of star US striker Folarin Balogun, making him eligible to play in Monday's match.

"They can take away all the red cards in the world," said Georges-Louis Bouchez, leader of the MR, one of five parties in the country's coalition government, in a post on X, "the Belgians are the bravest and they will win." ...

"Astonishing how a red card suddenly becomes unjust' when Trump gets involved," wrote Yvan Verougstraete, leader of Les Engags, another coalition party, in a separate online post. Verougstraete also reposted an AI-generated video that showed Balogun brandishing a picture of Trump in response to a referee showing him a red card. Foreign minister Maxime Prevot told Politico the decision "raises many questions."

The decision has also sparked uproar among footballing authorities outside of the US. UEFA, the powerful European football organizer, called the reversal "incomprehensible and unjustifiable" and accused FIFA of crossing "a red line". ...


#56 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-07-06 03:16 PM | Reply

Well well... Watching Christiano Ronaldo Captaining Portugal as you dopes try to out stupid each

other...

Guess he forgot to bring that red card to Jerry's world stadium.

#57 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2026-07-06 03:17 PM | Reply

-I'm not trying to diminish your new found enthusiasm for soccer.

that enthusiasm will return to its previous level once this is over.

#58 | Posted by eberly at 2026-07-06 03:18 PM | Reply

-"the Belgians are the bravest and they will win."

Where is the bravery? If they win perhaps it's because of their speed and skill?

#59 | Posted by eberly at 2026-07-06 03:20 PM | Reply

Well well... Watching Christiano Ronaldo Captaining Portugal as you dopes try to out stupid each
#57 | POSTED BY SHRIMPTACODAN

Maybe you could try spelling Cristiano Ronaldo's name right, Mr. World Soccer Wiz. Maybeso next time, while we dopes are trying to out-stupid one another?

#60 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-07-06 03:24 PM | Reply

" UEFA, the powerful European football organizer, called the reversal "incomprehensible and unjustifiable" and accused FIFA of crossing "a red line". ..."

Versus just crossing a "yellow" line?!?

I'm here all week, folks. Tip your servers well!

#61 | Posted by Danforth at 2026-07-06 03:29 PM | Reply

What's your favorite MLS team?

#53 | Posted by ClownShack

MLS team where I live now which I dont reveal here... Id tell you but not with

legally and other trash hanging around....

... First got interested watching Pele in world cup with Brazil in 1970... Then with the ny cosmos.....later spent many hours on pitch with family.

--lets go Portugal... I need a win..

#62 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2026-07-06 03:34 PM | Reply

#24 | Posted by dutch46

If Pochettino or Balogun (or the whole damn team) have any integrity at all, that's exactly what should happen.

#63 | Posted by Angrydad at 2026-07-06 03:34 PM | Reply

"Where is the bravery?"

When you observe the speeds and agility involved and the degree to which players, who are not armored up, find themselves in vulnerable positions, exposed to injury, I'd say there's quite a bit of bravery involved in playing "the football." Up close and personal, I think it's reasonable to say it's a significantly different game than what we absorb from TV.

#64 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis at 2026-07-06 03:43 PM | Reply

Maybe you could try spelling Cristiano Ronaldo's name right, Mr. World Soccer Wiz. Maybeso next time, while we dopes are trying to out-stupid one another?

#60 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis

Having to transfer from phone to laptop where I keep DT... don't trust most of you

lying bastards on my phone... I can spell your name....Donnie Douchebag scumsucker...

----"Maybeso"... What's your excuse DONNIE?.

#65 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2026-07-06 03:45 PM | Reply

If Pochettino or Balogun (or the whole damn team) have any integrity at all, that's exactly what should happen.

#63 | Posted by Angrydad

Holy effing gawd... The red card was a procedural error by the officials in the booth...

The United States Soccer Federation (USSF), commonly known as U.S. Soccer had more to do with the removal than trump..

You gd effing idiots.

... What's the worst thing I could wish for virtually all of you ??... A US win...which won't happen as long as I'm reading your negative chit.

#66 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2026-07-06 03:57 PM | Reply

Besides... Along with this match there are lots of videos of Sophie Cunningham...

A straight, white athlete who won't take chit from a racist... One of Libs

worst nightmares.

..and now to really piss " you people" off... USA USA USA USA USA...

#67 | Posted by shrimptacodan at 2026-07-06 04:09 PM | Reply

Here's Stupidfuckdan's people celebrating the 4th.

www.nbcwashington.com

#68 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2026-07-06 04:15 PM | Reply


Maybe you could try spelling Cristiano Ronaldo's name right, Mr. World Soccer Wiz. Maybeso next time, while we dopes are trying to out-stupid one another?
#60 | Posted by Doc_Sarvis

This is what the argument has come down to SpellingNazism? You must be fun at parties.

The red card was a procedural error by the officials in the booth...

It was a good call, just doesn't deserve another game suspension, just no more playing in that game, IMHO.

#69 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-07-06 04:15 PM | Reply

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