As France prepare for their quarter-final against Morocco, the World Cup has been rocked by claims that Donald Trump personally intervened with Fifa to overturn a red card for US striker Folarin Balogun. The intervention ultimately failed to save the United States, who crashed out with a 4-1 defeat to Belgium after goalkeeper Matt Freese had the ball stolen from his feet in the 57th minute, allowing Belgium’s third goal.
Balogun’s red card in the previous match was described as dubious in a report that highlighted corruption in football, including the 2006 Calciopoli scandal that saw Juventus stripped of titles. But the controversy contrasted sharply with the serene progress of France, who have won all five matches, scoring 14 goals and conceding just two. Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright said: “France are one of the most clear favourites for a World Cup tournament I have ever seen.”
“Trump may have intervened with Fifa over Balogun's red card as France dominate World Cup.”
Kylian Mbappe is joint second in the Golden Boot race with seven goals, supported by Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola, with Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki in reserve. Yet BBC Radio 5 Live senior football reporter Ian Dennis believes Spain are the team to beat. “France don’t possess the same level of control as Spain and do give teams a chance,” he said, noting that Senegal should have been ahead at half-time against France and that Norway created awkward moments in Boston.
Phil McNulty, BBC Sport’s chief football writer, agreed France are beatable, pointing to Spain’s 35-game unbeaten streak and their injury-time winner against Portugal in the last 16. “Good as France are, this would represent a huge test for Deschamps’ team,” he said, adding that if France overcome Spain they could face Argentina or England in the final. The tournament, he noted, has already proved there are no foregone conclusions.
