
Trump’s FIFA Intervention Sparks Global Backlash
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's attempt to overturn a red‑card suspension for American forward Folarin Balogun has ignited a worldwide debate about political influence in football.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Cristiano Ronaldo across Soccer, Football, Basketball.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump's attempt to overturn a red‑card suspension for American forward Folarin Balogun has ignited a worldwide debate about political influence in football.

A series of surprising results, extreme weather and contentious decisions defined a World Cup that will be remembered for its drama.

A red‑card controversy at the World Cup took an unexpected turn when President Donald Trump appealed to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino, leading to the suspension of a sanction against U.S. forward Folarin Balogun. The move has divided opinion across the football community.

Innovations such as VAR, semi‑automated offside systems and microchipped balls are transforming how matches are officiated and played, as illustrated by Portugal’s recent victory over Croatia.

With a 2–1 victory over Croatia securing their place, Portugal's manager Roberto Martínez can call upon every one of his 26 players. The match, scheduled for 8 p.m. BST on Monday, 6 July, will be broadcast live on BBC One for UK viewers.

FIFA lifts Balogun's red‑card ban, sparking a political flashpoint involving Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino ahead of the U.S. vs Belgium knockout match.

Cristiano Ronaldo announced that this World Cup will be his last, expressing no regrets and emphasizing his love for playing for Portugal. He highlighted Portugal's preparation for the last‑16 clash with Spain, his balanced record against the Iberian rivals, and his excitement for the tournament despite being 45 at the next edition.

Spain and Portugal meet in the World Cup quarterfinals in Dallas, with Spain’s defense and Mikel Oyarzabal’s form pitted against Portugal’s firepower and Cristiano Ronaldo’s potential final appearance.

A rare political intervention saw FIFA lift a red‑card suspension for U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, prompting backlash from Belgium and raising questions about the intersection of politics and football.

Cristiano Ronaldo announced that this World Cup will be his last, expressing no regrets as Portugal prepares to face Spain in the last‑16 clash. He looks back on six World Cups, his passion for football, and the small details that could decide the match.

Cristiano Ronaldo announced that the current World Cup will be his last, expressing no regrets and confidence in Portugal's chances against Spain.

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo confirms this World Cup will be his last, recalling his balanced history against Spain, his confidence in Portugal's chances, and his calm preparation for the decisive match.

Donald Trump's intervention enables Folarin Balogun to feature against Belgium after FIFA overturned his red‑card ban, sparking diplomatic ripples.
After a red card sparked a suspension, FIFA's Disciplinary Committee lifted the penalty, allowing Balogun to play in the decisive game.

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo declared that this World Cup would be his last, expressing gratitude for his career and the passion he feels for the sport.

FIFA has lifted the ban on U.S. striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in the World Cup last‑16 clash against Belgium after a call from President Donald Trump. The decision, celebrated by U.S. officials, overturns a red‑card incident against Bosnia and has sparked a diplomatic exchange between Washington and football’s governing body.

Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark the end of his international career, highlighting his unprecedented record as the first male player to appear in six World Cups and his status as Portugal's all‑time leading scorer.

Cristiano Ronaldo announced that the upcoming tournament will be his sixth and final World Cup for Portugal, expressing gratitude and a desire to savor the experience while reflecting on a storied career.

Cristiano Ronaldo, playing in his sixth World Cup, says he will retire on his own terms, enjoys this tournament more than any before, and believes Portugal can compete with Spain in their upcoming last‑16 clash.

At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be his last, adding emotional weight to Portugal's remaining matches, especially a looming Round of 16 clash with Spain.

Cristiano Ronaldo, playing his record sixth World Cup, says he will retire on his own terms, enjoys the tournament more than ever, and remains confident in Portugal’s chances against Spain.

Cristiano Ronaldo, entering his sixth World Cup, says he will retire on his own terms, enjoys the current tournament more than ever, and believes Portugal can upset Spain in the last‑16.

In a press conference ahead of Portugal’s round of 16 match against Spain, Cristiano Ronaldo confirmed that the tournament will be his last World Cup, expressing gratitude for his career and fans while discussing his adaptation to age and his upcoming battle with Luka Modric.

A last‑minute FIFA ruling clears forward Folarin Balogun for a key World Cup qualifier, but Belgium’s protest and the broader VAR controversy linger.