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Trump called FIFA president after game to review Team USA’s Balogun’s red card, source says
By RONALD BLUM and MICHELLE L. PRICE , Associated Press at KGNS — Sitewide
· July 5, 2026
· 4 min read
SEATTLE (AP) — 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 steppin...
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 The Laredo
For Laredo residents who closely follow international soccer, the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's red card and subsequent suspension lift may spark debate about the role of external influence in sports decision-making. As a border city with a strong soccer culture, Laredo's community likely includes fans of both the US and international teams, making the World Cup a topic of interest and discussion. The fact that a high-profile figure like President Trump intervened on behalf of an American player may raise questions about the fairness and integrity of the game, particularly among Laredo's soccer enthusiasts who value the sport's global appeal and competitive spirit. As the US team prepares to face Belgium, Laredo fans will be watching closely to see how this development affects the team's performance and the overall tournament.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . The Laredo 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 KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 5, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? SEATTLE (AP) — 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 steppin...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 5, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by RONALD BLUM and MICHELLE L. PRICE , Associated Press at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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