parks
Balogun starts for US against Belgium after suspension lifted following call by Trump to FIFA
By Ronald Blum, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 6, 2026
· 2 min read
Folarin Balogun is in the United States' starting lineup for Monday's World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium after his red-card suspension was lifted by FIFA in a decision that sparked an uproar across the sport.Balogun’s red card was assessed by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for stepping ...
Key takeaway Balogun’s red card was assessed by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for stepping on an opponent’s ankle last Wednesday during the Americans’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, triggering an automatic one-game suspension.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
The controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's suspension and its subsequent lifting by FIFA has Magnolia residents talking, particularly those who follow international soccer. While the decision may have sparked outrage across the sport, local fans of the US team are likely relieved to see Balogun back in the starting lineup. As the US takes on Belgium, Magnolia's soccer enthusiasts will be watching closely, hoping the team can advance to the semifinals for the first time in over 90 years. The fact that the winner of this match will face Spain on Friday at Inglewood, California, adds an extra layer of interest for local fans who may have connections to the West Coast or have followed the Spanish team's progress in the tournament. With the US seeking to make history, Magnolia's community will be cheering on their team, eager to see if they can overcome the challenges ahead.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Folarin Balogun is in the United States' starting lineup for Monday's World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium after his red-card suspension was lifted by FIFA in a decision that sparked an uproar across the sport.Balogun’s red card was assessed by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for stepping ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ronald Blum, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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