JJ Watt Has a Crazy Reaction to FIFA Reversing Folarin Balogun’s Red Card on Donald Trump’s Appeal

Football players JJ Watt and George Kittle celebrated FIFA overturning USMNT forward Folarin Balogun's red card.

JJ Watt Has a Crazy Reaction to FIFA Reversing Folarin Balogun’s Red Card on Donald Trump’s Appeal

Folarin Balogun and JJ Watt inside the circle (Image via Sky Sports/IMAGO)

FIFA overturning USMNT forward Folarin Balogun’s red card is making soccer lover JJ Watt very happy. Watt celebrated the announcement with a famous GIF.

Watt, a former NFL edge rusher, is an avid soccer follower. With the USA being one of the three host nations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Watt tuned in to support the USMNT in their quest to upset the odds in their own backyard.

After the US made it out of the group stages, they met Bosnia and Herzegovina in their first knockout game. Folarin Balogun opened the scoring but was later shown a red card for a tackle that looked terrible in real time.

However, experts and fans argued the challenge seemed accidental and the officials, despite VAR’s help, made the wrong decision to dismiss him from the game. USA won 2-0, but the card meant Balogun would miss their Round of 16 fixture against Belgium.

A few days later, FIFA overturned the decision after a delegation led by USA President Donald Trump reportedly met with Gianni Infantino. Balogun can now play on Monday at Seattle Stadium.

JJ Watt celebrated like the rest of the country. He posted a popular GIF from the 1993 sports biographical movie “Rudy.”

Watt, a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, represented the Houston Texans and the Arizona Cardinals during his long career. After retirement, Watt invested in English soccer club Burnley.

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George Kittle reacts to FIFA overturning Folarin Balogun’s red card

Similar to Watt, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle also follows soccer with great intent. Kittle was among the contingent who protested on Twitter after the ref sent off Balogun.

JJ Watt Has a Crazy Reaction to FIFA Reversing Folarin Balogun’s Red Card on Donald Trump's Appeal
Folarin Balogun (Image via ESPN)

He retweeted a Barstool Sports post that says they were going to appeal to FIFA to allow Balogun to play against Belgium.

After FIFA gave the Monaco forward the green light to continue his WC journey, Kittle tweeted, “Flo is back [four USA flags].”

Kittle further posted a meme showing Balogun flashing a UNO card at the referee who gave him the red card.

USA head coach gives his honest opinion

USA appointed Mauricio Pochettino to bring Argentine flair into the team. It took some time to implement his philosophy on the team. Losses piled up, but the players stuck by their coach. The hard work paid dividends when they qualified for the knockouts with a 2-1 record.

They were the favorites to defeat Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun’s dismissal changed the atmosphere of the game. Despite the win, all eyes were on Balogun and FIFA. Eventually, the highest governing body of soccer allowed him to play in the next game.

My reaction I think is like everyone that really loved that sport, and trust on the ethic and integrity. I think we celebrate all that decision. We were punished enough against Bosnia-Herzegovina to play with 10 men, 35 minutes in a decision that was completely unfair.

Pochettino said (H/T ESPN)

Before FIFA’s announcement, Belgium was the overwhelming favorite to defeat the US. Belgium is still expected to win, but the odds are much closer.

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