Investigations into Match-Fixing at 2026 World Cup

The Group of Copenhagen, a gambling watchdog, is investigating up to seven matches from the recently concluded 2026 World Cup for irregular betting activity. One match under scrutiny is the United States' last-16 defeat to Belgium.

The Athletic reported that a predictions market line titled "Will Folarin Balogun play against Belgium?" raised concerns. This line opened on July 2, shortly after Balogun received a controversial red card in the USA's Round-of-32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Following this, President Donald Trump urged FIFA to overturn Balogun's red card, leading FIFA to suspend his one-game ban until after the tournament, allowing him to participate in the loss to Belgium. The Group of Copenhagen noted that no similar betting markets were opened for the 14 other players who received red cards during the tournament.

They are now demanding an official explanation from FIFA regarding the Balogun case. The organization reviewed all 104 matches from the tournament, which saw over $240 billion in bets worldwide.