parks
Balogun starts for US against Belgium after suspension lifted following call by Trump to FIFA
By RONALD BLUM, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports
· July 7, 2026
· 1 min read
SEATTLE (AP) — Folarin Balogun was in the United States' starting lineup for Monday's World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium after his red-card suspension was lifted by FIFA in a decision that sparked an uproar across the sport. Balogun’s red card was assessed by Brazilian referee Raphael Cl...
Key takeaway Balogun’s red card was assessed by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for stepping on an opponent’s [...
Why this matters in The McAllen
The news of Folarin Balogun's reinstatement to the US lineup for the World Cup match against Belgium is likely to resonate with soccer enthusiasts in McAllen , where the sport has a strong following. The Rio Grande Valley is home to a diverse population with a deep passion for the game, and many locals will be watching the match with great interest. The controversy surrounding Balogun's suspension and its subsequent lifting will undoubtedly spark lively discussions among fans at local parks and soccer fields, where pickup games and tournaments are a common occurrence. As the US team vies for a spot in the next round, McAllen residents will be paying close attention to the outcome, and the city's soccer community will likely be abuzz with excitement and debate. The match's result will have a significant impact on the local conversation, with many fans gathering to watch and discuss the game at community events and public viewings.
About this story
Original reporting by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . The McAllen 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 ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 7, 2026 ·
Source: ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? SEATTLE (AP) — Folarin Balogun was in the United States' starting lineup for Monday's World Cup round of 16 match against Belgium after his red-card suspension was lifted by FIFA in a decision that sparked an uproar across the sport. Balogun’s red card was assessed by Brazilian referee Raphael Cl...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 7, 2026 by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports and curated for The McAllen readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by RONALD BLUM, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports. To learn more about how The McAllen selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The McAllen, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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