parks
Balogun starts for US against Belgium after suspension lifted following call by Trump to FIFA
By Ronald Blum, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· July 6, 2026
· 2 min read
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 Claus for stepping...
Key takeaway Balogun’s red card was assessed by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus for stepping on an opponent’s ankle last Wednesday during the Americans’ 2-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, triggering an automatic one-game suspension.
Why this matters in Tomball News
The news of Folarin Balogun's reinstatement to the US team for the World Cup match against Belgium has sent shockwaves across the soccer community, and locals in Tomball are likely to be talking about the controversy. While the city's parks may not be directly affected by the decision, the fervor surrounding the US team's chances in the tournament is likely to be felt in community gatherings and watch parties. As the US team vies for a spot in the semifinals, Tomball residents who are soccer fans will be keeping a close eye on the team's progress, and the city's recreational soccer leagues may see a surge in interest and participation. The US team's success could also have an impact on local youth soccer programs, inspiring young players in Tomball to strive for excellence in the sport.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Tomball 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 KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? 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 Claus for stepping...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Ronald Blum, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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