Story perspectives

Belgium Granted Appeal on Balogun Ban, Trump Calls FIFA

7/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Belgium received FIFA permission to appeal U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s suspension for the July 6, 2026 Seattle match, and FIFA set a 5 a.m. PST Monday deadline for U.S. Soccer and the Royal Belgian Football Association to submit.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia called the episode an “April Fools”-like prank and said it threatens football integrity.
President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review and thanked FIFA on Truth Social.

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Story summary

Belgium received FIFA permission to appeal U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s suspension for the July 6, 2026 Seattle match, and FIFA set a 5 a.m. PST Monday deadline for U.S. Soccer and the Royal Belgian Football Association to submit.
Belgium coach Rudi Garcia called the episode an “April Fools”-like prank and said it threatens football integrity.
President Donald Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to request a review and thanked FIFA on Truth Social.