Taylor Fritz has become the latest celebrity to react to Folarin Balogun’s suspension saga at the 2026 World Cup.
Balogun was handed a one-game ban following his red card in the USMNT’s Round of 32 victory over Bosnia.
The USA then appealed Balogun’s suspension, as it was extremely harsh, with Donald Trump even getting involved.
Trump reportedly called FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who rejects the idea that the president influenced the USA’s successful appeal.
Balogun has now had his ban suspended for a year, allowing him to play against Belgium in the Round of 16 on Monday.
The situation has transcended football, with hundreds of American sports stars joining the controversial debate.
Rather than focusing on the politics, Fritz saw the funny side to Balogun being allowed to play for the USMNT.
What Taylor Fritz said about Donald Trump’s role in Folarin Balogun’s return
Even though soccer is not the most popular sport in the USA, the World Cup has been the centre of attention this summer.
Mauricio Pochettino’s team have won plaudits for their impressive performance at the tournament, including the game against Bosnia.
Now, the USMNT’s Round of 16 clash with Belgium is expected to be the most-watched soccer match in the nation’s history.
Like most Americans, Taylor Fritz was delighted with the news that Balogun will be available for Monday’s game.
“I think obviously it’s not something that happens a lot where they overturn a red card,” Fritz said during his Wimbledon press conference.
“I think everyone can agree that it shouldn’t have been a red card. He shouldn’t be out.
“It’s great to have him back. I posted on my story the meme – it was pretty funny – of the ref giving him a red card, and he was holding up a UNO reverse card back to the ref.
“I thought that was pretty funny. Happy. Happy that he’s going to be playing.”
While others will delve into the awkward political undercurrent, Fritz stuck to the sporting ramifications in his analysis.
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