FIFA and The Athletic flag Balogun in World Cup fixing probe

A screen of betting odds flickers with odd spikes as the World Cup reaches its climax, prompting watchdogs to question the integrity of the tournament. It is not excluded that match‑fixing occurred at the WK, and an international advisory body has identified seven incidents that merit further scrutiny.

The independent Group of Copenhagen monitors irregularities on the betting market and has kept a close eye on all 104 matches of the World Cup. Its mandate is to detect, punish and prevent manipulation of sport, and it has already flagged several cases for review.

The Athletic received an early look at the forthcoming full report, which lists seven incidents marked with a yellow code – the lightest level of alert. The report, soon to be released by the Group, underscores that these cases raise questions without confirming deliberate fixing.

Among the flagged cases is the matter of Folarin Balogun, who received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. On the same day, bets were placed on whether Balogun would feature against Belgium, and his suspension was later lifted after political intervention.

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Other highlighted incidents include a red card shown to Themba Zwane in the opening match against Mexico, a four‑minute delay before Ferran Torres' goal against Saudi Arabia was disallowed, and a 0‑0 draw between Spain and Cape Verde that attracted a €4 million wager on Spain not winning on Polymarket.

The Group notes that for the other 14 players who were sent off at the tournament, no betting questions were opened on the market, suggesting a distinct pattern around the highlighted cases.

FIFA had earlier communicated that no suspicious betting activity or signs of match‑fixing had been detected at the WK. This earlier statement now contrasts with the new findings presented by the Group of Copenhagen.

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Christian Kalb, an expert who has worked with governments to curb gambling in sport, explains that a yellow‑code incident often has alternative explanations unrelated to manipulation. He cautions that the presence of seven suspect cases does not prove that fixing actually took place.

The revelations arrive as Mark van Bommel begins his tenure as the new Belgium coach, and they were reported by Glenn Van Snick, SnickSportjournalist at HLN24, on July 2026. The article even references the phrase "Google-favorietDe" in the context of 's digital presence, underscoring the broader relevance of safeguarding football's credibility.