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FIFA lifts US player Balogun’s red card suspension at World Cup after Trump calls Infantino
By ABC at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 5, 2026
· 5 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 steppi...
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 Minneapolis
For Minneapolis soccer fans, the reversal of Folarin Balogun's suspension is a significant development, particularly as the US team prepares to face Belgium on Monday. The controversy surrounding the red card has sparked debate among local soccer enthusiasts, with some arguing that the foul did not warrant a suspension. The fact that Balogun, the American leader with three goals, will be able to play in the upcoming match is likely to boost interest and excitement among Minneapolis fans, who will be watching the game closely. The local soccer community, which has been following the World Cup with great interest, will be eager to see how the US team performs with Balogun back on the field. As the US team moves forward in the tournament, Minneapolis fans will be paying close attention to the impact of this decision on the team's chances of advancing.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis 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 KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 5, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 5 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 steppi...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 5, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by ABC at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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