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Folarin Balogun cleared to play against Belgium after one-game ban suspended by FIFA
By Wayne Sterling at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 5, 2026
· 3 min read
In a stunning twist ahead of the World Cup Round of 16, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has confirmed that United States mens national team striker Folarin Balogun will be eligible to play against Belgium on Monday in Seattle.The 25-year-old forward was facing an automatic one-match suspension fo...
Key takeaway The 25-year-old forward was facing an automatic one-match suspension following a straight red card during the USMNTs 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1.
Why this matters in The Waco
The decision to lift Folarin Balogun's suspension has significant implications for local soccer fans in Waco , many of whom have been following the US men's national team's progress in the World Cup. With Balogun eligible to play against Belgium, the team's chances of advancing to the next round have improved, and local fans are likely to be on the edge of their seats as they watch the match. The fact that the game is being played in Seattle means that Waco residents will have to watch from afar, but the excitement and tension are still palpable. As the US team competes on the international stage, local soccer enthusiasts in Waco are reminded of the city's own thriving soccer community, with many youth and adult leagues drawing players from across McLennan County. The success of the US team can only help to boost interest in the sport locally.
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 5, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? In a stunning twist ahead of the World Cup Round of 16, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has confirmed that United States mens national team striker Folarin Balogun will be eligible to play against Belgium on Monday in Seattle.The 25-year-old forward was facing an automatic one-match suspension fo...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 5, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Wayne Sterling 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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