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 notices of 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 against Spain defeating Cape Verde, and a VAR delay in a Spain-Saudi Arabia match. Notably, the report highlights that Polymarket opened a market on whether US striker Folarin Balogun would play after his red card, a market not opened for any other red-carded player whose ban was not suspended. FIFA's Integrity Task Force, which includes the Group of Copenhagen, has stated it found no suspicious betting activity or match manipulation. A gambling industry expert cautioned that irregularities do not necessarily indicate manipulation. The Group of Copenhagen has requested a written explanation from FIFA regarding the Balogun case.