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USA’s top scorer Folarin Balogun allowed to play against Belgium after FIFA suspends his 1-game ban
By Dorothy Sedovic at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· July 5, 2026
· 1 min read
(Gray News) - U.S. striker Folarin Balogun will be available to play in the team’s round of 16 match against Belgium.Balogun, 25, was given a red card for stepping on the foot of Tarik Muharemović of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the U.S. round of 32 game. The U.S. went on to win the game 2-0, de...
Key takeaway striker Folarin Balogun will be available to play in the team’s round of 16 match against Belgium.
Why this matters in The Nashville
Nashville soccer fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Folarin Balogun's suspension has been lifted, allowing him to play in the crucial round of 16 match against Belgium. This news will be particularly welcome in Music City, where the US team has a strong following. As the host country, the US team's success has generated significant excitement and interest in the World Cup, with many locals gathering to watch matches and cheer on the team. With Balogun's impressive performance so far, including three goals in the tournament, his presence on the field will be crucial in the team's bid to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in over two decades. As the team takes on Belgium, Nashville residents will be watching closely, hoping for a win that will bring the US team one step closer to a historic quarterfinals appearance.
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: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (Gray News) - U.S. striker Folarin Balogun will be available to play in the team’s round of 16 match against Belgium.Balogun, 25, was given a red card for stepping on the foot of Tarik Muharemović of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the U.S. round of 32 game. The U.S. went on to win the game 2-0, de...
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 Dorothy Sedovic 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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