Trump explains why he called FIFA to reverse US player’s red card ban
Americast
BBC
4.3 • 3.1K Ratings
🗓️ 6 July 2026
⏱️ 38 minutes
🔗️ Recording | Apple Podcasts | RSS
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Summary
Donald Trump explains his controversial intervention in the World Cup. Speaking in the Oval office, the US president confirmed he asked FIFA to review United States star striker Folarin Balogun's one-match red card suspension at the World Cup. It means the US will be able to play its top scorer during tonight’s game against Belgium.
Trump said football's world governing body "made the right decision", adding it would have left a "big stain" on the tournament had the ban been implemented and that “he didn’t think it was a foul”. What’s been the reaction to Trump’s comments and what does this do for the USA team, and Trump’s involvement with the rest of the tournament?
Justin and Anthony also answer your questions around Trump’s wealth and the billions he’s earned during his presidency, whether the Democrats have elected their most left wing candidate EVER after primaries in New York and the impact this is having on the rest of the Democratic party.
HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent
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This episode was made by Alix Pickles. The technical producer was Dafydd Evans. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
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Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | BBC Sounds, Music, Radio, podcasts. |
| 0:05.9 | Hello, it's Anthony, and you're about to hear AmeriCast, and we're delighted to have you with us. |
| 0:11.1 | And if you enjoy what you hear, please do consider subscribing to the podcast. |
| 0:15.0 | That way, you'll never miss an episode. |
| 0:17.3 | Now, on with today. |
| 0:18.7 | You are about to hear Donald Trump live on AmeriCast defending himself against suggestions that he has acted improperly in the World Cup. |
| 0:29.4 | Donald Trump, of course, has acted behind the scenes to make sure that a red card that was given to an American player was, well, magically taken away from him. |
| 0:40.3 | At least he's free to play in the next match, which is a very important match for the United States against Belgium. |
| 0:46.2 | So lots of people around the world saying that is an outrage. |
| 0:48.9 | Donald Trump himself reacting in this edition of American answers, |
| 0:53.3 | in which we also go to the question of Donald Trump's |
| 0:56.6 | extraordinary personal wealth. So without further ado, welcome to American answers. |
| 1:04.3 | Ameriast. Americaast from BBC News. You hear that sound? Oh, I think when I hear that sound, it reminds me of money. |
| 1:12.2 | We didn't start this war, but under President Trump, we are finishing it. |
| 1:16.5 | This is a big cover up, and this administration is engaged in it. |
| 1:19.8 | This guy has Trump Arrangement Syndrome. |
| 1:21.7 | I have four words for you. |
| 1:25.4 | Turn the volume up. |
| 1:31.3 | Hello, it's Justin in the worldwide headquarters of AmeriCast in London, England. |
| 1:34.3 | And it's Anthony here at home in Arlington, Virginia. |
| 1:37.3 | And we are not joined by Matt Chorley because we're not doing this live on Five Live, as we normally do on a Monday, |
| 1:43.3 | because Five Live is more interested in the tennis than they are in us. And I don't know where Matt is, possibly at the tennis, because they have lots of celebs there. But anyway, Anthony, you and I are together, and that's a good thing, because there are loads of questions that we've got to answer. And we should begin with the World Cup, just because it is so much in the news at the moment. |
... |
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