FIFA issued suspensions to at least two key members of the U.S. Soccer Federation ahead of Monday’s World Cup matchup with Belgium, according to multiple reports.
US Soccer Federation Response
While U.S. Soccer did not reveal why the suspensions were imposed, it stressed Tuesday that they were not connected to the appeal process surrounding star striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match red-card suspension.
The tournament’s governing body did not provide a reason for the suspensions. ESPN reported that team manager Sam Zapatka and U.S. Soccer Federation Vice President of Security Frank Pannell were the two staff members barred from the match.
The U.S. went on to suffer a 4-1 loss to Belgium, ending its 2026 World Cup run. President Donald Trump said Monday that he watched the controversial play and later called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to discuss the red card.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
