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FIFA lifts US player Balogun’s red card suspension at World Cup after Trump calls Infantino
By Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 5, 2026
· 4 min read
U.S. President Donald Trump intervened on behalf of American star forward Folarin Balogun, whose suspension was lifted in a decision that allows him to play in a World Cup match against Belgium on Monday.Balogun, the American leader with three goals, received a red card for stepping awkwardly on ...
Key takeaway Balogun, the American leader with three goals, received a red card for stepping awkwardly on the right ankle of Tarik Muharemović of Bosnia and Herzegovina in a 2-0 round of 32 win on Wednesday.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
For Magnolia residents who follow international soccer, the lifting of Folarin Balogun's suspension is a significant development, especially given the World Cup match against Belgium on Monday. The controversy surrounding the red card has sparked debate about fair play and the influence of external factors on FIFA's decisions. As the Houston area cheers on the US team, locals are likely to be invested in the outcome of this match, and the reversal of Balogun's suspension could be a crucial factor. The fact that US President Donald Trump intervened on behalf of the American player has added a layer of complexity to the story, with some praising the move and others criticizing it. As the US team prepares to face Belgium, Magnolia soccer fans will be watching closely to see how this decision affects the team's performance and the overall tournament.
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: local ·
Published: July 5, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? U.S. President Donald Trump intervened on behalf of American star forward Folarin Balogun, whose suspension was lifted in a decision that allows him to play in a World Cup match against Belgium on Monday.Balogun, the American leader with three goals, received a red card for stepping awkwardly on ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 5, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by 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 local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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