Trump called Infantino on Wednesday, the same day that the red card was given, the source said on condition of anonymity. Football's governing body suspended Bologun's one-game ban on Sunday, meaning he can now play in USA's last-16 match against Belgium.

The extraordinary FIFA ruling means that Balogun is now free to play for the World Cup co-hosts on Monday when they face Belgium in Seattle with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

Belgium's football association said Sunday it was "astonished" at FIFA's decision to suspend USA forward Folarin Balogun's red card, allowing him to play against Belgium in the World Cup last-16 game.

During the 1982 World Cup, a 22-year-old Diego Maradona was beginning to reveal the extraordinary talent that would eventually make him one of football's greatest players. Standing in his way was Italy centre-back Claudio Gentile -- ironically anything but gentle.

President Donald Trump on Sunday thanked football's world governing body FIFA for suspending the red card issued to USA's Folarin Balogun, paving the way for the striker to play in a last-16 World Cup showdown against Belgium.

United States striker Folarin Balogun will be available for their World Cup last-16 clash with Belgium despite being sent off in their win over Bosnia in the previous round, FIFA said on Sunday.

An already feverish football nation has been completely galvanised by Mexico's perfect campaign, but England will look to spoil the party as they continue their pursuit of a first World Cup trophy since 1966 when the two sides clash in a blockbuster Round of 16 tie at the iconic Azteca Stadium tonight.

On Monday, the left-sided attacker could well be the main threat for Mexico down England's injury-depleted right flank.

Watch today's episode of Fever Pitch to find out more

Watch today's episode of Fever Pitch to find out more

The administrator of NASA has said the agency could send an official football and a signed United States men's national team jersey to the Moon if the US wins the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Didier Deschamps feared that Kylian Mbappe would be "chopped down" by Paraguay in Saturday's ill-tempered clash in Philadelphia, which saw France advance to the World Cup quarterfinals.

After surviving a tough opening knockout battle against Japan, Brazil are set for another stern challenge as they take on Norway in their FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match at New York New Jersey Stadium tonight.

The race for the World Cup Golden Boot adds another fascinating subplot when Brazil take on Norway in a blockbuster Round of 16 clash at the New York-New Jersey Stadium today.

Forty years ago in Mexico City, Diego Maradona defeated England in the World Cup quarter-finals in a match that is still remembered for the Argentine great's "hand of God" goal, when he punched the ball into the net.

Long before they became the backbone of Mexico's World Cup defence, they were simply two boys chasing the same dream together.

The violent behaviour of fans and why sports rivalries escalate so rapidly can be explained with the Bedouin syndrome.

They let their opponent run themselves into the ground, absorbed the early psychological warfare, and then ruthlessly killed the game off with a 3-0 triumph that felt entirely inevitable by the final whistle.

For 28 years, Stale Solbakken has carried a piece of history that no Brazilian has been able to rewrite.

Ancelotti felt Brazil's comeback win over Japan in the last 32 had given his players greater belief heading into Monday's clash with Norway.