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Historic World Cup furor at FIFA decision to meet Trump's wish and let US forward Balogun play
By Graham Dunbar, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· July 6, 2026
· 1 min read
With the integrity of FIFA and the World Cup under attack from European soccer leaders, FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged taking a call from U.S. President Donald Trump before United States star forward Folarin Balogun was cleared to play against Belgium later Monday.Infantino insisted...
Key takeaway The Belgian soccer federation earlier said FIFA had not provided key documents for its appeal, and Norway's federation said the lack of legal explanation from FIFA was “reason for concern regarding the integrity of the competition.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
As the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's eligibility to play for the US team unfolds, Alamo Heights residents are likely to be invested in the outcome, given the city's proximity to San Antonio, a hub for soccer enthusiasts in the region. The fact that the US is co-hosting the World Cup adds an extra layer of local interest, with many in the community eager to see the team succeed. However, the perception that FIFA's decision was influenced by external pressure, rather than adhering to traditional rules, may raise concerns among local soccer fans about the integrity of the game. As the Belgian soccer federation challenges FIFA's ruling, Alamo Heights residents will be watching closely to see how this situation affects the US team's chances in the tournament, and potentially, the reputation of the sport as a whole. The local soccer community will be paying attention to how this controversy plays out.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights 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 KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? With the integrity of FIFA and the World Cup under attack from European soccer leaders, FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged taking a call from U.S. President Donald Trump before United States star forward Folarin Balogun was cleared to play against Belgium later Monday.Infantino insisted...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Graham Dunbar, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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