It was one of the most controversial decisions in all World Cup history. Despite going against the very laws of the game, having been sent off in the United States‘ prior game, Folarin Balogun was somehow allowed to play against Belgium.

The 25-year-old found himself in the centre of a sporting storm after he was controversially handed a red card in the Last 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. Many debated whether it was fair or not, but the player was sent off and should have automatically missed the USMNT’s following match in the Round of 16.

However, Donald Trump then appeared to get involved, as FIFA stepped in to confirm that Balogun’s initial ban was suspended for 12 months, allowing the striker to start against Belgium. It’s since been reported that the decision to halt the striker’s suspension was taken solely by the chairman of FIFA’s disciplinary committee, Mohammad Al-Kamali.

Although Balogun was cleared to play, it could be argued that the saga had a negative impact on his team. After all, the US had been flying up until that point, but were far from their best as they lost 4-1 to Belgium. The Monaco striker has now opened up on the true impact of it all.

Folarin Balogun Reveals True Impact on US After Red Card Saga

Talking to US TV show ‘CBS Mornings’, Balogun was quizzed about the incident. He spoke honestly, suggesting that it led to ‘nerves’ from his teammates:

Balogun Still Feels He Should Not Have Been Sent Off

REUTERS/Phil Noble

Amid all the drama, however, Balogun has insisted that he feels as though he should not have been sent off by referee Raphael Claus. The US striker, raised in London, said:

“It wasn’t even a tackle. I was totally in shock, I think you could see in my reaction. I just had to accept the decision and just try to be there for my team.

“When something is not intentional, it should never be a red card. It was just an unfortunate situation and it put a lot more pressure on us than we needed.”

Trump later admitted that he asked FIFA to reconsider the decision, although he did not demand it. He explained at a White House media briefing:

“All I did was ask for a review. I didn’t say, you have to do this. This man is a smart, tough man, Gianni Infantino. He’s a smart, tough man, and his stock has gone through the roof because the job he has done has been great. I feel like we have to have all the best players on the field.”

Balogun played 92 minutes against Belgium before being subbed with the game as good as over. Their opponents then took on Spain in the quarter-finals, losing 2-1 with Mikel Merino scoring a late winner.

Manchester United are said to have enquired about a third midfield signing as they continue to ramp up their summer business. The Red Devils are close to announcing a £36million deal for Youri Tielemans, who will join from Aston Villa after his release clause was met.

That signing follows the £50million capture of Andrey Santos, adding much-needed strength and depth to the midfield, but there could yet be more.

While United are now likely to focus on other areas, with the defence in need of strengthening, while a winger signing could be sourced this summer, Michael Carrick may well add one more to the midfield.

Man Utd make enquiry over Oulai

According to journalist Nicolo Ceccarini, United have submitted an enquiry to Turkish club Trabzonspor over Christ Inao Oulai. It’s claimed the enquiry was only ‘gathering information’ at this stage, with the Red Devils likely just finding out how much a deal would cost.

Carrick may well want a third midfielder this summer, but with £86million already spent on two midfielders, it’s likely the third midfielder would likely be another affordable option worth less than £50million, rather than a marquee midfield signing.

Oulai is likely to fit into that bracket, only 20 years of age and likely to cost around £29.8million, according to recent reports. The Ivory Coast World Cup star is under contract until 2030, so there is no pressure for Trabzonspor to sell. Everton have also been linked with the midfielder this summer.

Oulai has other preferences

The bad news is that Oulai has a transfer preference, and it is not the Premier League. He said earlier this year: “Some people find it strange, but I like Ligue 1. I’m not attracted to the Premier League. I like Ligue 1!” he said with a smile, before naming his dream club. A club that makes me dream today? PSG. I like them. This new PSG plays really well.”

Former striker Roger Boli has previously said of Oulai’s talent: “He’s a young player with a high work rate, very active. He knows how to work hard and bring energy to his team. He’s like a great motivator, someone who brings a lot of energy. In short, he’s a very good player.”

Oulai also impressed at the African Cup of Nations, as well as the World Cup, and his form compared with his age makes him an inevitable target for Premier League clubs, even if he prefers a move elsewhere.

England fans have never been shy about creating memorable terrace anthems, but their latest viral hit may be one of the most inventive yet. Inspired by Bonnie Tyler’s classic ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’, supporters have reworked the 1983 power ballad into a tribute for the Spurs and Three Lions full-back.

The chant first gained widespread attention after England’s victory over Norway, with its witty lyrics and theatrical delivery earning praise from fans, pundits and social media alike. Far more than a traditional football chant, it has become a full parody song, celebrating Spence’s rise while introducing a new tune to England’s summer soundtrack.

Story of Djed Spence England World Cup Song

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Brett Davis

One of Britain’s most popular football radio shows, BBC Radio 5 Live‘s 606, played host to the debut performance of the anthem. Former Premier League players Robbie Savage and Chris Sutton were leading England’s conversation about its recent 2-1 win over Norway, when singer-songwriter Ben Cipolla and his friend Dan phoned up the live show.

What followed was a dedicated ballad, complete with guitar and backing vocals, honoring the 25-year-old’s contribution to England’s run deep into the 2026 World Cup.

Djed Spence World Cup Song Lyrics

With the sad news of Bonnie Tyler’s death just three days before England faced Norway, the parody song didn’t just sing the praises of Djed Spence and his England teammates, but provided a timely tribute to a pop legend.

The Welsh singer’s original song, ‘Total Eclipse of The Heart’, was released in February 1983, as the lead single from her fifth studio album, ‘Faster Than the Speed of Night’.

The song quickly became Tyler’s biggest hit, topping both the UK and US singles charts and selling over 13 million copies worldwide.

The catchy parody song comes after Djed Spence’s contribution to England’s effort in bringing football home from the 2026 World Cup.

The former Leeds and Nottingham Forest star earned his first England call-up in August 2025, before making his first England cap as a 69th minute replacement for Reece James in his side’s 5-0 victory over Serbia, on 9th September 2025, in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

At what is his first World Cup, the Tottenham Hotspur full-back, who has reportedly received interest from Liverpool this summer, has appeared in every one of his nation’s games so far, having been named in the starting XI for England’s 0-0 group stage draw with Ghana, as well as their round of 32 clash with the DR Congo.