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President Trump asked FIFA to review US World Cup star Folarin Balogun's red card ban, sources say
By ABCNews at ABC13 Houston (KTRK - ABC)
· July 5, 2026
· 1 min read
President Donald Trump made a call to FIFA to ask Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun's red card, according to ABC News sources. Balogun's one-game ban was suspended by FIFA, allowing him to play against Belgium.
Key takeaway Balogun's one-game ban was suspended by FIFA, allowing him to play against Belgium.
Why this matters in The Pearland
For Pearland residents who follow the US national soccer team, the suspension of Folarin Balogun's one-game ban is welcome news. As the team prepares to face Belgium in the World Cup round of 16, having a full roster of players available is crucial. The Houston area, including Pearland, is home to a diverse population of soccer fans, many of whom will be watching the game with great interest. Local bars and restaurants may see an increase in patrons gathering to watch the match, providing a boost to the local economy. With the US team's success in the tournament, Pearland's soccer community is likely to be abuzz with excitement, and Balogun's availability for the game against Belgium will only add to the anticipation. Fans in Pearland will be eager to see how the team performs with a full lineup.
About this story
Original reporting by ABC13 Houston (KTRK - ABC) . The Pearland 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 ABC13 Houston (KTRK - ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 5, 2026 ·
Source: ABC13 Houston (KTRK - ABC) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? President Donald Trump made a call to FIFA to ask Gianni Infantino to review Folarin Balogun's red card, according to ABC News sources. Balogun's one-game ban was suspended by FIFA, allowing him to play against Belgium.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 5, 2026 by ABC13 Houston (KTRK - ABC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by ABCNews at ABC13 Houston (KTRK - ABC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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