- Marina del Rey Summer Concert Series
- LA Original Farmers Market Summer Music Series
- L.A.’s First Luxury Gas Station
- L.A. French Fry Festival
- Watts Towers Rebuild into a Park
- San Pedro Waterfront West Harbor Project
- LAX Automated People Mover (APM)
- Baldwin Hills / Baldwin Village Costco Mixed Use Project
- USA Vs. Belgium
- Summer Night Lights
USA Vs. Belgium
The United States will face Belgium today in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. The winner advances to the quarterfinals to face the winner of Portugal vs. Spain.
The Folarin Balogun Red Card Controversy
The biggest storyline heading into the match involves U.S. striker Folarin Balogun.
- Balogun received a straight red card in the United States’ 2-0 Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina after a VAR review.
- Under FIFA rules, a straight red card normally results in an automatic one-match suspension, meaning Balogun was originally expected to miss the Belgium match.
FIFA Reverses the Suspension
In a highly unusual move, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee suspended the suspension, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium.
- FIFA used Article 27 of its Disciplinary Code to delay enforcement of the one-game ban.
- The suspension has effectively been placed on one-year probation, meaning Balogun is eligible to play today in Seattle unless another disciplinary issue occurs.
Belgium’s Response
Belgium’s Football Association strongly objected to FIFA’s decision.
- Belgian officials said they were astonished by the ruling.
- They questioned FIFA’s disciplinary process and have formally challenged Balogun’s eligibility.
- Despite Belgium’s protest, Balogun remains eligible and available for selection in today’s match.
Political Attention
The controversy grew after reports that President Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the red card decision.
Critics have questioned whether politics influenced FIFA’s ruling, while FIFA maintains the decision was made through its disciplinary procedures. The issue has become one of the biggest stories of the 2026 World Cup.
Bottom Line
- ⚽ USA vs. Belgium is one of today’s biggest World Cup matches.
- ✅ Folarin Balogun is eligible to play despite receiving a red card in the previous match.
- ⚖️ FIFA’s decision to suspend his automatic ban has sparked worldwide debate and a formal challenge from Belgium.
- 🏆 The winner advances to the World Cup quarterfinals.
