2026 World Cup: Investigations begin into seven games over match-fixing
Copenhagen Watchdog Investigates World Cup Betting Irregularities
COPENHAGEN — The independent Group of Copenhagen, a gambling watchdog, is investigating irregular betting activity related to as many as seven matches from the recent World Cup. Among the games under scrutiny is the United States’ round-of-16 match against Belgium.
The Athletic reported that one area of concern involves a betting line titled “Will Folarin Balogun play against Belgium?” This line was established on July 2, shortly after Balogun received a controversial red card during the U.S. team’s round-of-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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Three days later, President Donald Trump urged FIFA to overturn Balogun’s red card. FIFA eventually suspended his one-game ban until the tournament’s conclusion, allowing him to participate in the match against Belgium, which the U.S. lost.
The Group of Copenhagen’s report notes that no similar betting lines were introduced for the 14 other players who received red cards during the tournament. The organization is now seeking an official explanation from FIFA regarding the Balogun case.
The Group of Copenhagen reviewed all 104 matches from the tournament, which drew more than $240 billion in global betting activity. While the complete findings have yet to be published, a summary of the conclusions has been distributed by the Council of Europe.
