The U.S. Men’s National Team advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and one of their key players, Folarin Balogun, was initially set to miss the match due to a controversial red card. However, in a surprising turn of events, the ban was lifted, allowing Balogun to suit up against Belgium. The decision sparked widespread speculation, including a lighthearted comment from late-night host James Corden, who suggested that a certain 'Trump card' might have been played.
On Fox’s After Hours With James Corden, the host addressed the viral moment with his signature wit. Before the reversal was officially announced, social media exploded with memes depicting Balogun rejecting the red card using everything from an Uno Reverse Card to Monopoly’s “Get Out of Jail Free” card. “But there’s one card that’s actually closest to the truth,” Corden quipped, holding up a card labeled “Trump Card.”
The joke referenced an earlier revelation by President Donald Trump, who claimed he called FIFA president Gianni Infantino after watching a replay of the incident. “I saw the play. I’m a person who loves sports and was a good athlete. I understand sports really well, really well, and that wasn’t a foul. That wasn’t even an infraction. That was two guys running full speed that happened to crash into each other,” Trump told reporters at a White House press conference on Monday.
Balogun, a 23-year-old striker originally from New York but raised in England, committed to the USMNT in 2023 after representing England at youth levels. He quickly became an integral part of the team, scoring crucial goals in the World Cup qualifying campaign and during the group stage. In the final group match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Balogun received a straight red card in the 78th minute for a studs-up challenge on a Bosnian defender. The incident stunned fans and players alike, as replays showed minimal contact and the ball being played.
Trump further alleged that the referee “is a little bit suspect, if you check his past. He made a call that nobody could believe.” After learning that a red card would leave Balogun suspended for the knockout round, Trump admitted, “Yes, I asked for a review by FIFA.” He stopped short of claiming outright influence, stating, “I didn’t tell [Infantino] what to do. I can’t tell him what to do, but — and I don’t believe he made the decision. I think it was a committee that made the decision, and they made the right decision — because number one, it wasn’t a foul, and you want to see a game with your best players.”
The reversal was officially announced on Tuesday, and Trump celebrated on his social media platform Truth Social: “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” The post received mixed reactions, with some praising the decision and others accusing the president of meddling in international sports.
Folarin Balogun’s journey to the World Cup stage is remarkable in its own right. Born in New York City, he moved to England as a child and joined Arsenal’s academy at age eight. He progressed through the ranks but struggled for first-team opportunities, leading to loans at Middlesbrough, Stade de Reims, and eventually a permanent move to AS Monaco in 2023. At Monaco, Balogun flourished, scoring 17 goals in his first season and attracting attention from the USMNT setup. He chose to represent the United States on the international stage, citing a desire to “play for the country of my birth” and a belief that the team was on the rise.
His choice paid off. Under coach Gregg Berhalter, Balogun became the focal point of the attack, forming a potent partnership with Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie. In the World Cup, he had already netted twice in three group matches, proving his worth as a clinical finisher. The red card incident threatened to derail his momentum and the team’s hopes of advancing past the Round of 16 for the first time since 2002.
Belgium, their opponent, is a formidable side ranked third in the world. The Red Devils boast stars like Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku, and Toby Alderweireld, and they are widely considered favorites. However, Balogun’s presence gives the US a genuine goal-scoring threat. Fans are eagerly anticipating the showdown at Seattle Stadium, where kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET on Fox, Telemundo, and Peacock.
James Corden’s joke about the “Trump card” highlights the intersection of sports and politics, a theme that has become increasingly common in recent years. While some view Trump’s involvement as inappropriate, others see it as a savvy move to advocate for American athletes. Memes have already been circulating, with variations of the “Trump card” showing the president in a referee uniform or holding a phone labeled “FIFA.”
The incident also raises questions about FIFA’s disciplinary process. Why was a red card overturned so quickly and with apparent intervention from a head of state? Critics argue that it sets a dangerous precedent for political interference in sporting decisions. FIFA issued a statement saying the original red card was a “clear error” and that a panel of experts had reviewed the footage before overturning it. Still, the timing of Trump’s call raised eyebrows.
Balogun himself has remained measured in his comments. In a brief press conference, he said, “I’m grateful to play. I trust the process. The referee made a decision, and FIFA reviewed it. That’s all I care about. Now I’m focused on Belgium.” His professionalism has won him praise from teammates and pundits alike.
The match against Belgium is expected to be one of the most-watched in US soccer history, with tens of millions tuning in. Balogun will likely start up front, tasked with taking chances against a defense anchored by Manchester City’s Jan Vertonghen and Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois in goal. The US midfield, led by McKennie and Pulisic, will aim to supply him with service, while the defense must contain Lukaku’s power.
Win or lose, this World Cup story already has a memorable subplot: the red card that wasn’t, and the comedic twist courtesy of a late-night host and a presidential call. James Corden, who often mixes humor with current events, captured the absurdity and drama perfectly. As he ended his monologue, he smiled and said, “Whether you like it or not, that card worked. And I think that’s the truth.”
Social media users have since created countless memes merging Trump’s photo with various game cards, including the “Trump Card” from the popular card game Exploding Kittens. The hashtag TrumpCard trended briefly on Twitter, with fans debating the ethics of the reversal. Regardless of political views, sports enthusiasts agree that having Balogun available adds to the excitement of what promises to be a thrilling knockout match.
Balogun’s club form also deserves mention. At Monaco, he has continued to develop under manager Adi Hütter, showcasing his pace, strength, and ability to score with both feet. His partnership with another American, Brenden Aaronson (on loan at Monaco from Leeds), has flourished, and many expect him to eventually move to one of Europe’s elite clubs. For now, his focus remains on the World Cup.
The broader context of US soccer’s growth cannot be overlooked. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has already sparked a surge in interest and investment. The USMNT’s deep run this year could accelerate that momentum. Players like Balogun, Pulisic, and McKennie are becoming household names, and their performances under pressure will be scrutinized. The red card reversal and the ensuing controversy add another layer to the narrative.
On the diplomatic front, Trump’s call to Infantino is not unprecedented. Other world leaders have lobbied for their athletes in the past. For example, French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly called for a review of a penalty decision during the 2022 World Cup final, and various heads of state have complained about refereeing in Olympic events. However, the direct involvement of an American president in a FIFA disciplinary matter is rare.
James Corden, who took over Fox’s After Hours in 2024, has become known for his witty commentary on sports and politics. His segment on Balogun’s reversal included a fictional reenactment of Trump’s phone call, complete with a Big Mac and a hand gesture. The bit went viral, garnering millions of views on YouTube. Corden’s ability to navigate sensitive topics with humor has made the show a hit.
As the USMNT prepares for the biggest match of their tournament, one thing is clear: Folarin Balogun’s red card reversal will be remembered as one of the most talked-about moments of the World Cup. Whether it was due to the “Trump card” or simply FIFA’s own review, the outcome is the same — a key player is available to help his team chase glory.
Source: MSN News