local
FIFA dismisses Belgium's appeal and will let Folarin Balogun play for U.S.
By Graham Dunbar | The Associated Press at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC)
· 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 San Francisco
The controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun's eligibility to play in the World Cup has significant implications for San Francisco 's soccer fans, many of whom will be gathering to watch the highly anticipated match between the US and Belgium. With the Belgian soccer federation preparing an appeal, the outcome of this game remains uncertain, leaving local fans on edge. The city's diverse community of soccer enthusiasts will be closely watching the developments, and the ruling's impact on the integrity of the game will undoubtedly be a topic of discussion in local sports bars and cafes. As the US team prepares to face off against Belgium, San Francisco's fans will be eager to see how this drama unfolds, and whether the ruling will affect the team's performance on the field. The match, scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. local time, is expected to draw a large crowd, with many fans watching from various locations throughout the city.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . The San Francisco 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 Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) ·
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 Bay Area (KNTV, NBC) and curated for The San Francisco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Graham Dunbar | The Associated Press at NBC Bay Area (KNTV, NBC). To learn more about how The San Francisco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Francisco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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