During the 2026 World Cup, United States striker Folarin Balogun was sent off during the match against Bosnia. According to reports, US President Donald Trump subsequently contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino to discuss the disciplinary decision. Trump reportedly argued that the incident was a normal collision and not a foul, also questioning the referee's decisions.

Infantino replied that FIFA's disciplinary bodies are independent, suggesting no intervention in the sporting judgment. The United States was then eliminated after a 4-1 defeat by Belgium, and Balogun did not take part in the decisive match.

The episode has reignited debate about the relationship between sports governance and political power. FIFA has long operated at the intersection of sport and geopolitics, organizing tournaments that are also political events and signing agreements with governments. According to some observers, Infantino's position is based in part on relationships with political leaders and on support from smaller member nations.

The Balogun case has raised questions about whether the principle of equal rules for all in football can be maintained when heads of state intervene in disciplinary matters. Several commentators recalled past episodes in which prominent players missed major finals due to suspensions, without any political intervention altering the decisions. According to critics, the perception that rules might be applied differently for those with political influence risks undermining the credibility of the sport.