Trump’s call to Infantino and plot to ‘free’ Balogun that sparked a huge World Cup controversy
President Donald Trump has been an elusive figure throughout this World Cup. Or he was until the middle…
Belgium granted right to appeal against FIFA’s Folarin Balogun ban decision
Belgium has been granted the right to appeal against FIFA’s decision to suspend the one-game ban handed to…
How US Soccer got Folarin Balogun’s suspension overturned — including Trump’s phone call
SEATTLE — At the end of the day — a day before the most significant match in U.S.…
Folarin Balogun available for USMNT vs. Belgium in stunning World Cup twist
SEATTLE — The rumors and whispers started flying around the U.S. national team’s bus on the way to…
‘Thank you FIFA for reversing a great injustice!’ How Trump, the world reacted to Balogun’s ban reprieve
The whole world thought the United States would have to be without its star striker, Folarin Balogun, for…
Folarin Balogun available for USMNT vs. Belgium as red card ban suspended
Folarin Balogun will be available to play the USMNT’s World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium after his one-game…
Spain turned up. Should they be favourites? Re-ranking the 48 World Cup teams after day 22
There are now just three round-of-32 ties remaining, with the last 16 almost set following Thursday’s matches. At…
Mexico into the top six: Re-ranking the 48 World Cup teams after day 20
With just under half of the matches in the round of 32 now completed, the last 16 is…
The U.S. move into the top 10 for the first time. Re-ranking the 48 World Cup teams after day 19
Well, that changes things. On the second day of the World Cup round of 32, two of the…
Are England’s key players finding form? Re-ranking the 48 World Cup teams after day 17
The conclusion of the group stages brought some late drama, with Austria equalising in the last seconds to…
Are favourites France getting stronger still? Re-ranking the 48 World Cup teams after day 16
That’s a wrap on day 16. World Cup favourites France and the brilliant Ousmane Dembele didn’t take it…
Does Ecuador’s shock knock Germany down? Re-ranking the 48 World Cup teams after day 15
The Athletic has live coverage of Uruguay vs Spain at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ecuador dug deep…