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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 KGNS — Sitewide
· 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 Laredo News
The news of President Trump's intervention on behalf of Team USA's Folarin Balogun has significant implications for the local community in Laredo , where soccer is a beloved sport. Many residents in Webb County are likely to be following the World Cup closely, and the controversy surrounding Balogun's red card has sparked intense debate. The fact that Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the decision has raised questions about the role of politics in sports. For Laredoans, the outcome of this situation will be of great interest, particularly if they have been following Balogun's performance in the tournament. The city's strong soccer culture, with many local teams and leagues, means that residents will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and what it might mean for the sport as a whole. Local soccer fans will likely be discussing this controversy in the days to come.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News 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 KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 5, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
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 KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by RONALD BLUM and MICHELLE L. PRICE , Associated Press at KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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