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World Cup controversy: FIFA lifts US star’s ban after Trump’s call
By CBS Miami at CBS4 Miami
· July 6, 2026
· 1 min read
ust before the US faces Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16, FIFA reverses a red card suspension for American star Folarin Balogun after former President Trump reportedly called FIFA’s chief. The decision sparks outrage and questions about political influence, as fans and soccer officials debate th
Key takeaway The decision sparks outrage and questions about political influence, as fans and soccer officials debate the precedent set by this dramatic intervention.
Why this matters in The Miami
Miami 's diverse community, with strong ties to Latin America and the Caribbean, is likely to be closely watching the fallout from FIFA's decision to lift the ban on US star Folarin Balogun. The city's soccer fans, many of whom have roots in countries where the sport is a national obsession, will be debating the implications of this move. In neighborhoods like Little Havana and Wynwood, where soccer is a popular topic of conversation, the controversy is likely to be a major talking point. The fact that a phone call from a former US president appears to have influenced the decision will raise questions about the integrity of the sport and the role of politics in shaping its outcomes. As the US team faces Belgium in the World Cup, Miami's fans will be watching to see how this drama plays out on the field.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami 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 CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ust before the US faces Belgium in the World Cup Round of 16, FIFA reverses a red card suspension for American star Folarin Balogun after former President Trump reportedly called FIFA’s chief. The decision sparks outrage and questions about political influence, as fans and soccer officials debate th
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CBS Miami at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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