local
Two US soccer team staff members suspended by FIFA for Belgium World Cup game
By Associated Press at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 7, 2026
· 1 min read
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Two staff members of the U.S. soccer team were suspended by FIFA from Monday’s round of 16 game against Belgium.FIFA did not explain why it imposed the discipline on team manager Sam Zapatka and U.S. Soccer Federation vice president of security Frank Pannell.The USSF di...
Key takeaway soccer team were suspended by FIFA from Monday’s round of 16 game against Belgium.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The suspension of two US soccer team staff members by FIFA ahead of the World Cup game against Belgium may have Nashville soccer fans wondering about the impact on the local soccer community. Although the suspensions did not involve on-field personnel, they still reflect on the US team's overall performance and reputation. As the city with a growing interest in soccer, Nashville's residents may be concerned about how such disciplinary actions affect the sport's development in the area. The US team's elimination from the World Cup with a 4-1 loss to Belgium will likely be discussed by local soccer enthusiasts, and the suspensions of team manager Sam Zapatka and US Soccer Federation vice president of security Frank Pannell will be part of that conversation. Nashville's soccer community will be watching to see how the US Soccer Federation responds to the suspensions and how it will affect the team's future performances.
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 7, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Two staff members of the U.S. soccer team were suspended by FIFA from Monday’s round of 16 game against Belgium.FIFA did not explain why it imposed the discipline on team manager Sam Zapatka and U.S. Soccer Federation vice president of security Frank Pannell.The USSF di...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by 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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