The Group of Copenhagen has flagged seven instances where there were betting irregularities at the World Cup. The incidents include Folarin Balogun‘s controversial red card, Spain’s draw with Cape Verde, and a VAR call in another Spain match. FIFA, however, reported that there was no suspicious betting activity or indications of potential match manipulation.
The Group of Copenhagen is an independent, international network dedicated to detecting, sanctioning, and preventing the manipulation of sports.
The group has not released the full report, but the Council of Europe confirmed that 15 World Cup matches were placed under increased surveillance. Of these, seven met the criteria for a “slightly increased alert.” These included:
- Themba Zwane’s red card for South Africa against Mexico
- $4.8 million won on Spain not to defeat Cape Verde at Polymarket
- The three-and-a-half-minute delay from the video assistant referee (VAR) team to disallow a goal from Spain’s Ferran Torres in its 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia
- Polymarket allows users to trade on whether Balogun would play against Belgium
Balogun Market Arouses Suspicion
Balogun received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which should have meant he would definitely miss the match against Belgium. However, FIFA took the unprecedented step of lifting the ban, allowing the forward to play. Donald Trump said he personally intervened, urging FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the ban.
Polymarket opened its market, “Folarin Balogun to Play vs. Belgium?” on July 2, the same day he received the red card. He was initially given less than a 1% chance of playing before the odds surged to 97.6% after FIFA confirmed it would lift the suspension. Just under $500,000 was traded on Polymarket.
The Group of Copenhagen said it has asked FIFA for a written explanation regarding the Balogun case. The group operates under the Macolin Convention, an international treaty that aims to consolidate efforts to fight sports corruption across different countries. Members are largely from Europe, and the UK is currently considering full ratification of the convention.
Final Group Games Also Flagged
Other incidents flagged included several matches in the final round of group games, according to The Athletic. Given the expanded format, several teams knew that a draw would be enough for both sides to advance.
In Australia vs Paraguay, both teams advanced to the next stage after a 0-0 draw; the odds of a tie had surged before the match. Polymarket users made millions of dollars by backing the draw in that match and Japan vs. Sweden.
FIFA Reports No Suspicious Betting Activity
The Group of Copenhagen’s report contradicts FIFA’s claims that there was no suspicious betting activity or indications of potential match manipulation. This is despite the group being a member of the FIFA Integrity Task Force.
“Based on the information collected and analysed throughout the competition, the Task Force identified no suspicious betting activity or indications of match manipulation in connection with any fixture,” FIFA said in a press release
“The FIFA Integrity Task Force provided a strong framework during the FIFA World Cup 2026 for sharing intelligence, assessing potential concerns, and coordinating a timely response,” said Liam Rich, FIFA’s Senior Integrity Manager. “We thank all Task Force members for their expertise and commitment during the competition, and we look forward to building on this collaboration at future FIFA tournaments.”
It did not mention the Group of Copenhagen’s report and has not commented on the findings publicly.
In addition to the cases raised in the report, during the tournament, it emerged that Ivory Coast player Elye Wahi was under investigation for spot-fixing. As a result of his arrest before the tournament, Wahi had his visa application refused by Canada, although this was later overturned, and he was allowed to travel with his team for its match against Germany. The player is accused of deliberately collecting yellow cards when playing for Nice in France.
