local
Trump says World Cup referee's red card call was 'horrible' but insists he left outcome to FIFA
By Collin Binkley, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston)
· July 6, 2026
· 5 min read
President Donald Trump on Monday took credit for getting FIFA to review a red card issued against the United States’ star forward Folarin Balogun at the World Cup but said he did not demand an outcome.“All I did was ask for a review,” Trump said when asked about it during an unrelated Oval Office...
Key takeaway But he said FIFA made the final call to lift Balogun’s mandatory one-game ban for a foul tackle, allowing him to play in Monday’s round of 16 match with Belgium in Seattle.
Why this matters in Sugar Land News
For Sugar Land residents who follow international soccer, the controversy surrounding the World Cup red card call and President Trump's involvement may seem distant, but it has implications for the local sports community. The fact that Trump took an interest in the call and FIFA's subsequent decision to lift the ban on US player Folarin Balogun raises questions about the role of external influences on sports outcomes. In Fort Bend County, where Sugar Land is located, youth soccer leagues and clubs may be watching this development closely, wondering how such interventions could affect their own games and tournaments. As the World Cup continues, Sugar Land soccer fans will be keeping a close eye on how this controversy plays out, and whether it sets a precedent for future interventions in sports decision-making. The city's diverse community, with its strong interest in international sports, will likely be debating the merits of Trump's actions and FIFA's response.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) . Sugar Land News 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 KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? President Donald Trump on Monday took credit for getting FIFA to review a red card issued against the United States’ star forward Folarin Balogun at the World Cup but said he did not demand an outcome.“All I did was ask for a review,” Trump said when asked about it during an unrelated Oval Office...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) and curated for Sugar Land News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Collin Binkley, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston). To learn more about how Sugar Land News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Sugar Land News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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