Sports

Donald Trump Just Demonstrated the Value of Birthright Citizenship

The next Folarin Balogun could be in a field that matters much more than a soccer pitch. America should not handicap its access to such talent.

Eric Boehm | 7.6.2026 12:00 PM

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(Illustration: Kai River Kanzer/ZUMAPRESS/Newscom/Midjourney)

If President Donald Trump had his way, the breakout star of the United States' World Cup run would not be an American citizen.

Despite that, Trump reportedly worked the refs over the weekend to help ensure that player, Folarin Balogun, will be on the field Monday night when the U.S. takes on Belgium in a must-win match.

For those who haven't been following the story, here are the stakes. Balogun, who has scored three goals to lead the U.S. during this World Cup, was given a (questionable) red card during Wednesday's victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. A red card is supposed to carry a one-game suspension, which would require Balogun to miss tonight's game.

On Sunday, tournament organizer FIFA announced that Balogun would be allowed to play against Belgium, following an administrative review of the red card. This has caused a lot of controversy in the football world—the Belgian coach called the........

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