World Cup 2026: Trump admits lobbying Fifa over Balogun red card; Starmer intervened on England kick-off time – live

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>⚽️ World Cup news and reaction as the last 16 continues<br>⚽️ <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/06/belgium-appeal-fifa-lifting-folarin-balogun-red-card-ban-last-16-us-world-cup">Uefa accuses Fifa of ‘crossing red line’ over Balogun</a><br>⚽️ <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/06/england-mexico-match-report-jude-bellingham-harry-kane-world-cup">Mexico 2-3 England</a> | <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/world-cup-2026-complete-player-guide">Player guide</a> | And <a href="mailto:matchday.live@theguardian.com">email us</a></p><p>We haven’t even mentioned Balogun-gate yet. The Belgian FA, and you can assume a large proportion of the football world, has been left “astonished” by Fifa’s decision after lobbying by Donald Trump to reverse the suspension given to the striker for his red card in the team’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/01/usa-bosnia-and-herzegovina-game-report-world-cup">win over Bosnia and Herzegovina</a>. He is now free to play in the last-16 game against Belgium.</p><p>Sources have told the Guardian that Trump made three calls to Fifa, starting from Wednesday, to ensure that the change was made.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jul/06/world-cup-2026-england-set-up-norway-quarter-final-after-mexico-thriller-trump-lobbied-for-balogun-red-card-reversal-live">Continue reading...</a> This development from The Guardian highlights ongoing changes in the sector.