World Cup: Football integrity body flags 15 matches with potential betting issues

The Group of Copenhagen, an organization dedicated to football integrity, has identified several incidents as potential spot-betting concerns during the World Cup. 

Although the complete report has not yet been released to the public, these irregularities are currently receiving significant attention.

As reported by The Athletic, one of the primary incidents highlighted by the advisory body is the suspension of Folarin Balogun’s red card. 

The United States player received a red card during the victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but following a call from Donald Trump, FIFA decided to suspend the red card for a year, permitting the striker to participate in the subsequent match.

FIFA’s Integrity Task Force has asserted that no match exhibited any suspicious betting activity or trends; however, the independent body disagrees.

Additionally, the report has pointed out the red card issued to South Africa’s Themba Zwane as a potential indicator of betting activity, and the 3.5-minute delay by VAR in disallowing Ferran Torres’ goal against Saudi Arabia is also being examined.

The most alarming issue has been the remarkable $4.8 million wagered on Spain failing to secure a victory against debutants Cape Verde. 

The two teams faced each other in the initial group stage match, which concluded in a goalless draw, with Vozinha playing a pivotal role for the African team by making seven essential saves and achieving a clean sheet.

Currently, 15 matches from the 2026 edition are under heightened scrutiny.