Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Trump Lifts Balogun Ban; Pulisic Fractures Leg vs Belgium

7/10/2026

36 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump suspended Balogun’s one-match ban, letting him start versus Belgium in the World Cup round-of-16.
Christian Pulisic fractured his right leg and suffered a bone bruise with microfracture to his tibia and fibula in the United States’ 4-1 loss to Belgium in Seattle, with no comment from US Soccer.
He is expected to train before AC Milan’s Serie A opener against Torino on August 23 after missing weeks.

History

Historical Context

President Donald Trump’s reversal of Folarin Balogun’s ban comes as star forward Christian Pulisic’s tibia fracture endangers the United States’ knockout chances. The U.S. learned the impact of high-profile decisions during the 1994 FIFA World Cup, which it hosted; the knockout stage opened on July 2, 1994 and the team reached the round of 16. Having appeared in twelve World Cups, the US now stresses squad depth.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump suspended Balogun’s one-match ban, letting him start versus Belgium in the World Cup round-of-16.
Christian Pulisic fractured his right leg and suffered a bone bruise with microfracture to his tibia and fibula in the United States’ 4-1 loss to Belgium in Seattle, with no comment from US Soccer.
He is expected to train before AC Milan’s Serie A opener against Torino on August 23 after missing weeks.

1 / 2