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FIFA stunned the soccer world by allowing the USA’s Folarin Balogun to play on Monday. Trump’s role is under the microscope
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 5, 2026
· 5 min read
By Wayne Sterling, Betsy Klein, CNN
(CNN) — President Donald Trump’s role in FIFA’s stunning decision to allow striker Folarin Balogun to be eligible to play against Belgium on Monday in Seattle is under the microscope.
A source familiar with the matter told CNN on Sunday that Trump spoke wit...
Key takeaway On Sunday afternoon, soccer’s governing body announced it was using an obscure rule to suspend Balogun’s automatic one-match ban for one year, allowing the striker to play against Belgium in the Round of 16.
Why this matters in The El Paso
For El Paso soccer fans, the news that Folarin Balogun will be eligible to play against Belgium is a welcome development, particularly given the significance of the World Cup Round of 16 match. As the city's own soccer community continues to grow, with local teams and leagues drawing inspiration from international competitions, the performance of the US men's national team is being closely watched. Balogun's participation is crucial, given his role as a key scorer, and his presence on the field could make a significant difference in the outcome of the match. With the game being played in Seattle, El Pasoans will be tuning in from afar, eager to see how the US team fares against a tough Belgian opponent. The suspension of Balogun's one-match ban is a boost to the team's chances, and local fans will be hoping for a strong performance from the US squad.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso 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 KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 5, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Wayne Sterling, Betsy Klein, CNN
(CNN) — President Donald Trump’s role in FIFA’s stunning decision to allow striker Folarin Balogun to be eligible to play against Belgium on Monday in Seattle is under the microscope.
A source familiar with the matter told CNN on Sunday that Trump spoke wit...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 5, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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