local
Trump called FIFA president for review of Balogun red card before ban was lifted
By AP via Scripps News Group at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 5, 2026
· 6 min read
U.S. President Donald Trump intervened on behalf of American star forward Folarin Balogun, whose red-card 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 in the tournament, received a red card...
Key takeaway FIFA announced Sunday that the suspension had been lifted for the round of 16 match, an extraordinary move that triggered praise from Trump and outrage from Belgiums team.
Why this matters in The Waco
The White House's call to FIFA regarding Folarin Balogun's red card may seem like a distant development, but for Waco residents who follow soccer, it's a notable example of how international sports can intersect with local interest. As the home of several youth soccer leagues and clubs, Waco has a stake in the rules and regulations that govern the sport. The fact that a high-profile case like Balogun's can spark intervention from the White House suggests that the sport's global reach can have implications for local players and fans. With Baylor University's soccer program and other local teams drawing talented players from around the world, Waco's soccer community may be watching closely to see how FIFA responds to such interventions in the future. The reversal of Balogun's ban will likely be seen as a positive development by local soccer enthusiasts, who value fair play and competitive balance.
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: 6 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 red-card 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 in the tournament, received a red card...
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 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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