Why it matters: UEFA, which represents most of Europe's soccer federations, came out swinging after FIFA reversed course — a move that followed President Trump's call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino demanding answers about why the U.S. star had been sidelined.
President Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino about U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's controversial red card and resulting suspension before soccer's governing body lifted the ban, a U.S. official tells Axios.
Why it matters: The reversal — and the White House's role in it — has become the biggest twist of this year's World Cup. That means Balogun is eligible for the knockout stage after his red card had threatened to sideline him.
U.S. star striker Folarin Balogun can play against Belgium in Monday's World Cup match after FIFA suspended his one-game ban, soccer's world governing body announced Sunday.
Why it matters: Belgian officials said they were "astonished" by the decision. A win Monday would send the U.S. to its first World Cup quarterfinal since 2002.
