President Donald Trump’s relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino goes back even further than the phone call at the center of the World Cup red card controversy.
Folarin Balogun of the U.S. men’s national soccer team was sent off after twisting the ankle of a defender during a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, causing him to fall and receive a red card. The red card resulted in an automatic one-match suspension, and Balogun had to watch the Round of 16 game between USA and Belgium from the bench. However, in a surprising turn of events, that suspension was suspended by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee on July 5th.
On July 6, President Trump confirmed reports that he called Infantino to ask for a review, believing there was no foul play.
“I made them do it, not Biden,” Trump said while answering questions at an event about the Trump account on July 6. “If they hadn’t allowed the top players to participate…I think it would have been a big stain, so I broadcast it live, but I just want to see a match with the best players.”
Watch the World Cup live on Fubo
The upset drew ire from the Belgians, who will face the United States on Monday, July 6th.
Trump claims he did not or could not tell Infantino what to do, but the FIFA president has lavished on Trump’s requests before. Here’s what you need to know about their relationship.
Infantino receives FIFA Peace Prize, presented to Donald Trump
Before President Trump embarks on a hawkish year on Venezuela and Iran, he received a brand new award from Coach Infantino: the FIFA Peace Prize.
Infantino presented Trump with the inaugural award, which includes a trophy, medal and certificate, while attending the 2026 World Cup draw on Dec. 5 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
“We want to come together. That’s what we’ll do here today and what we’ll do at the World Cup, Mr. President,” Infantino said. “And you definitely deserve to receive the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize for your actions and what you have gained from it.”
President Trump has called the FIFA Peace Prize “one of the greatest honors of my life,” but it’s no secret that he hopes to win another peace prize: the Nobel Prize.
President Trump has long wanted to win the Nobel Peace Prize and has mocked and questioned why former President Barack Obama won the award in his first year in office. President Trump has said he is confident he won’t win no matter what, but many people are making noise about his nomination.
Infantino rents office space in New York’s Trump Tower
Last summer, FIFA and the Trump Organization announced that the soccer organization would open an office in New York’s Trump Tower as part of its 2026 World Cup efforts. FIFA also has a US office in the Miami area. The New York Times reported last month that the company’s New York office was largely unused.
Trump Tower is also home to other FIFA officials, and according to Pro Soccer Wire, the informant in the FIFA corruption scandal owns two apartments, one for himself and one for his cat. Another person involved in the scandal spent time in Trump Tower under house arrest, the newspaper said.
Trump becomes a hot topic on stage at the FIFA Club World Cup
Trump made headlines last summer when he celebrated on stage at the FIFA Club World Cup on July 13, 2025.
Trump, who played alongside Infantino on the field at MetLife Stadium, received boos and some cheers as he congratulated the players and presented them with several awards. As Chelsea players gathered to lift the trophy and celebrate, Trump remained among the players, one of whom admitted he was confused as to why he was still with them. Infantino eventually pulled Trump behind the players.
Infantino also said that President Trump will co-present the World Cup trophy on July 19.
Did President Trump call Infantino about the red card?
yes. President Trump acknowledged this in the Oval Office on July 6th.
“I saw the play, and I love sports, I’m a good athlete, I understand sports, and that wasn’t a foul. It wasn’t even a violation. It was two guys speeding and they collided by accident,” Trump said. “All I did was ask for a review, I didn’t say, ‘You have to do this.’ This guy is a smart, tough guy, Gianni Infantino.”
See what he said:
President Trump says he has asked FIFA to review Balogun’s red card
President Donald Trump said he has asked coach Gianni Infantino to review the one-game suspension of Folarin Balogun after receiving a red card.
About Infantino: Where is he from? How long has he been FIFA President?
Infantino, 56, was born in Switzerland to Italian parents.
He was appointed FIFA president in 2016 following revelations of widespread corruption scandals within the federation. He was re-elected unopposed in 2019 and 2023.
Infantino has visited the White House many times since Trump returned to office, including at Mar-a-Lago, the winter White House.
What time is the World Cup match between USA and Belgium? How to watch
USA vs. Belgium will be played on Monday, July 6th at 8:00 PM ET.
In the United States, the game will be broadcast in English on Fox and Spanish on Telemundo. Streaming options include Fox One, Tubi, Peacock, and Telemundo apps.
Contributors: Joey Garrison, Victoria Hernandez, Seth Bartelny; america today
Kinsey Crowley is a Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Please contact KCrowley@usatodayco.com. follow her X (Twitter), thread, blue sky and TikTok.
