local
UEFA criticizes FIFA decision to let Folarin Balogun play as Belgium prepares appeal
By Graham Dunbar | The Associated Press at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS)
· July 6, 2026
· 4 min read
European soccer body UEFA criticized FIFA for an “incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision” to let United States forward Folarin Balogun play at the World Cup against Belgium on Monday despite a red card in his previous game.
UEFA said in a statement FIFA “crossed a red line” with its decis...
Key takeaway “It’s a bad, bad, bad, bad, bad decision that will hurt the World Cup,” Norway coach Ståle Solbakken said Sunday after his team beat Brazil to reach the quarterfinals.
Why this matters in The Trophy Club
The controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's eligibility to play in the World Cup has sparked outrage globally, and its impact is being felt in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where soccer fans are eagerly following the tournament. As the USA prepares to face Belgium, local fans are likely to be divided on the issue, with some supporting the US team and others sympathizing with the Belgian federation's appeal. The fact that the appeal is being prepared in Seattle, but will have a direct impact on the game's outcome in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, highlights the global nature of the sport and its ability to bring people together, even as it sparks controversy. As the round of 16 game approaches, local soccer enthusiasts will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds and how it affects the team's performance.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) . The Trophy Club 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 NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? European soccer body UEFA criticized FIFA for an “incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision” to let United States forward Folarin Balogun play at the World Cup against Belgium on Monday despite a red card in his previous game.
UEFA said in a statement FIFA “crossed a red line” with its decis...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS) and curated for The Trophy Club readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Graham Dunbar | The Associated Press at NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth (KXAS). To learn more about how The Trophy Club selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Trophy Club, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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