Folarin Balogun set to play for US against Belgium on July 6
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 6, 2026, 9:55 PM
Last updated Jul 6, 2026
Folarin Balogun is eligible to play for the U.S. men's national team against Belgium today due to birthright citizenship. FIFA lifted Balogun’s one-match suspension following an intervention from former President Donald Trump, who called for a review of a red card issued during a prior match. Criticism arose regarding allegations of U.S. favoritism in this decision, but FIFA maintained that its judicial bodies operate independently. Following the lifting of his suspension, Balogun has been a key contributor for the U.S. team, leading with three goals in their advancement to the Round of 16 in the ongoing World Cup.
- •Balogun plays today against Belgium in the World Cup.
- •Trump intervened with FIFA over Balogun's red card.
- •FIFA stated its decision was based on its rules.
- •Balogun has scored three goals in the tournament.
- •The U.S. team reached the Round of 16.
- 10:07 PMYahoo Sports — How Folarin Balogun, USMNT benefitted from birthright citizenship Donald Trump tried to end
- 9:55 PMYahoo Sports — Trump intervened for US soccer's Folarin Balogun, a birthright citizen
"World Cup soccer star Folarin Balogun is playing for the United States due to birthright citizenship, a policy President Donald Trump has tried to sharply curtail.
"The Sporting News takes a look at Balogun's decision to play for the USMNT, as well as how it interacts with the principle of birthright citizenship.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 10:07 PMHow Folarin Balogun, USMNT benefitted from birthright citizenship Donald Trump tried to end
The Sporting News takes a look at Balogun's decision to play for the USMNT, as well as how it interacts with the principle of birthright citizenship.
- Yahoo SportsJul 6, 2026, 9:55 PMTrump intervened for US soccer's Folarin Balogun, a birthright citizen
World Cup soccer star Folarin Balogun is playing for the United States due to birthright citizenship, a policy President Donald Trump has tried to sharply curtail.
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