local
What to know after FIFA lifts suspension of US star Folarin Balogun
By James Ellingworth, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News
· July 6, 2026
· 6 min read
FIFA’s stunning decision to lift the suspension of a star U.S. player riled the host country's World Cup opponent, Belgium, and sent soccer fans — and political leaders — into a frenzy over the influence President Donald Trump may have had over the extremely rare ruling.Hours before kickoff Monda...
Key takeaway player riled the host country's World Cup opponent, Belgium, and sent soccer fans — and political leaders — into a frenzy over the influence President Donald Trump may have had over the extremely rare ruling.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
For Alamo Heights residents, the FIFA decision to lift Folarin Balogun's suspension has significant implications, particularly given the upcoming match against Belgium in Seattle. A win would propel the US team to the quarterfinals, a feat not achieved since 2002, and local soccer fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome. The controversy surrounding Balogun's red card and the subsequent intervention by President Trump has sparked debate among San Antonio's soccer community, with many questioning the fairness of the decision. As the US team prepares to face Belgium, Alamo Heights residents will be watching closely, knowing that a victory would bring the team one step closer to a historic World Cup run. The local community's passion for soccer is evident, and the outcome of this match will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion in the days to come.
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: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? FIFA’s stunning decision to lift the suspension of a star U.S. player riled the host country's World Cup opponent, Belgium, and sent soccer fans — and political leaders — into a frenzy over the influence President Donald Trump may have had over the extremely rare ruling.Hours before kickoff Monda...
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 James Ellingworth, 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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