FIFA and Group of Copenhagen clash over potential betting irregularities at 2026 World Cup

Published Jul 23, 09:00 AM UTC

The Group of Copenhagen, an independent international advisory body under the Council of Europe, has raised seven 'yellow notices' regarding potential betting irregularities and possible match manipulation during the 2026 men's World Cup. The flagged incidents include a red card shown to South Africa's Themba Zwane, a $4.8 million Polymarket bet on Spain not defeating Cape Verde, and a VAR delay in a Spain-Saudi Arabia match. Notably, a Polymarket market on whether US striker Folarin Balogun would play against Belgium was opened the same day he received a red card, before FIFA confirmed his ban was suspended. FIFA's Integrity Task Force, however, reported finding no suspicious betting activity or match manipulation. Gambling industry expert Christian Kalb noted that irregularities could stem from atypical betting behavior rather than manipulation. The Group of Copenhagen has requested a written explanation from FIFA regarding the Balogun case.