World Cup Betting Scandal: FIFA under probe as seven matches flagged for investigation

A gambling watchdog, the Group of Copenhagen, has launched an investigation into up to seven matches played during the recently concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup over suspected match fixing and unusual betting activities.

One of the matches under investigation is the United States’ Round of 16 defeat to Belgium. Investigators are examining whether irregular betting patterns may have influenced events surrounding the game.

According to The Athletic, one of the main issues being investigated is a betting market that asked whether USA striker Folarin Balogun would play against Belgium. The betting market opened on July 2 after Balogun received a controversial red card during the USA’s Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Three days later, US President Donald Trump publicly urged FIFA to overturn Balogun’s suspension. FIFA later decided to postpone his one match ban until after the tournament, allowing the striker to feature in the match against Belgium.

The Group of Copenhagen said the Balogun case raised concerns because no similar betting markets were created for any of the other 14 players who received red cards during the World Cup.

The organisation believes the difference in treatment deserves further explanation.
As a result, the watchdog has formally requested FIFA to provide an official explanation for the decision and the circumstances surrounding Balogun’s eligibility to play.

The investigation covered all 104 matches played during the tournament, which reportedly attracted more than 240 billion dollars in bets from around the world.

The Group of Copenhagen said it analysed betting data from the competition to identify any unusual or suspicious patterns.

Although the organisation has not yet released its full report, a summary of its findings has already been shared with the Council of Europe. Further details are expected to be made public after the investigation is completed, while FIFA is yet to issue a formal response to the latest concerns.