NPR News: 07-06-2026 4PM EDT

Lakshmi Singh· Host0:01

Live from NPR News, I'm Lakshmi Singh. In the coming hours, the US men's soccer match against Belgium may become an unexpected test of diplomacy at the FIFA World Cup. The US's leading goal scorer was initially suspended, then cleared to be on the field over Belgium's objections. It happened after President Trump talked to the president of FIFA. NPR's Franco Ordoñez reports Trump confirmed he asked for a review of the player's red card call.

Franco Ordoñez0:28

President Trump said he didn't even know what a red card was before the US striker, Faloran Balogun, received one, which would have caused Balogun to be suspended for an elimination game against Belgium.

Donald Trump· Soundbite0:39

When I found out, I said, "You gotta be kidding. This guy just hands up, 'Okay, your best player's not gonna play next week or in the next game.'" I said, "Wow, that's a lot of power. That's terrible."

Franco Ordoñez0:49

Trump downplayed his intervention, but the decision to suspend the red card and allow Balogun to play has triggered even greater controversy over FIFA's disciplinary actions and raised more questions about political influence, considering Trump's close relationship with the FIFA president. Franco Ordoñez, NPR News, the White House.

Lakshmi Singh· Host1:10

The campaign for the Democratic candidate for Senate in Maine, Graham Plattner, is denying allegations of sexual assault that were reported by Politico. Story alleges that five years ago, Plattner forced a woman he was dating to have sex with him despite her repeated objections. NPR has not independently verified the allegations. A new federal lawsuit