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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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· 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 Nashville
Nashville 's soccer community is likely abuzz with the news of Folarin Balogun's reinstatement, given the city's growing reputation as a hub for the sport. The decision to lift Balogun's suspension will have implications for local fans who follow the US national team, and may spark debate about the role of external influence in FIFA's decision-making process. As the city continues to invest in its soccer infrastructure, including the development of professional and amateur leagues, the outcome of this World Cup match will be closely watched by Nashvillians. The fact that a US president intervened on behalf of an American player will also raise questions about the intersection of sports and politics, a topic that is sure to resonate with local residents who value fair play and good sportsmanship. As the US team prepares to face Belgium, Nashville's soccer enthusiasts will be eager to see how this controversy plays out.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville 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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 5, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
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 WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by RONALD BLUM and MICHELLE L. PRICE , Associated Press at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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