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FIFA Reinstates Balogun for US-Belgium Clash

7/6/2026

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Summary

Balogun Returns

FIFA lifted striker Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension, so Coach Mauricio Pochettino will keep the lineup, with Balogun leading and Christian Pulisic creating space, for the U.S. match against Belgium in Seattle.
Balogun’s return sparked a “Free Balo” fan campaign and a tweet from LeBron James.
Belgium fields Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Jérémy Doku, while analysts urge the U.S. to stay aggressive and limit Doku on FOX.

Summary

Seattle Transit Boom

Seattle recorded record transit ridership, foot-traffic, sales and Lime-scooter rides after the United States beat Australia on June 19.
Belgium based its team at the Sounders training centre in Renton and will play more matches at Seattle Stadium than any other team.
U.S. fans will gather at Pier 58 at 10:30 a.m. for food, DJs and a big-screen, while Belgian supporters will meet at Victory Hall at 11 a.m. and walk to Lumen Field.

Summary

FIFA Suspends Ban

FIFA invoked Article 27, suspending Balogun’s ban for one year while keeping the red card on record.
President Donald Trump thanked FIFA on Truth Social and called Gianni Infantino to request the review.
The Royal Belgian Football Association said it is investigating ways to protect fair play after the ban was lifted.
Critics said the decision mirrors a prior Article 27 use that cut Cristiano Ronaldo’s suspension, raising fairness concerns.

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Balogun Returns

FIFA lifted striker Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension, so Coach Mauricio Pochettino will keep the lineup, with Balogun leading and Christian Pulisic creating space, for the U.S. match against Belgium in Seattle.
Balogun’s return sparked a “Free Balo” fan campaign and a tweet from LeBron James.
Belgium fields Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and Jérémy Doku, while analysts urge the U.S. to stay aggressive and limit Doku on FOX.

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