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Folarin Balogun available for Monday's match as FIFA dismisses Belgium's appeal
By AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 6, 2026
· 3 min read
FIFA has dismissed Belgium's challenge to the most-debated political intervention in a World Cup in decades.That means forward Folarin Balogun is eligible to play on Monday night in Seattle. A win would send the U.S. to the quarterfinals, which would be the best U.S. result at a mens World Cup si...
Key takeaway That means forward Folarin Balogun is eligible to play on Monday night in Seattle.
Why this matters in The Waco
The controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's eligibility to play in the World Cup match against Belgium has significant implications for local soccer fans in Waco . As the US team prepares to face off against Belgium, many in the community are eagerly anticipating the outcome, with some likely to gather at local sports bars and restaurants to watch the match. The fact that the Belgian federation is challenging FIFA's decision to lift Balogun's suspension adds an extra layer of tension to the already high-stakes game. For Waco residents who follow soccer, this dispute raises questions about the fairness and consistency of FIFA's decision-making process, and how it may impact the sport as a whole. As the situation unfolds, local fans will be watching closely to see how the appeal process plays out and what it means for the US team's chances in the tournament.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco 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 KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? FIFA has dismissed Belgium's challenge to the most-debated political intervention in a World Cup in decades.That means forward Folarin Balogun is eligible to play on Monday night in Seattle. A win would send the U.S. to the quarterfinals, which would be the best U.S. result at a mens World Cup si...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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