FIFA issues fresh statement amid match-fixing concerns at the World Cup

FIFA have put out a strong statement amid claims of match-fixing during the 2026 World Cup.

A total of 104 games took place in the first ever 48-team tournament, which saw Spain crowned winners for the second time after a victory over Argentina at the MetLife Stadium.

There were a number of refereeing controversies throughout the tournament, with the Egyptian FA calling for FIFA to remove the officials involved in their 3-2 loss to the losing finalists.

The federation "demanded the exclusion of the referee and the entire crew from the World Cup after investigating these mistakes".

Egypt's manager Hossam Hassan, who made a controversial 'X' gesture on the touchline, accused FIFA of bias towards Lionel Messi, stating "they want Messi to stay in the tournament".

FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina responded by slamming "unfounded allegations" and the questioning of match officials' integrity.

But after Cristiano Ronaldo's Instagram account liked a post accusing FIFA of corruption, the governing body issued a statement online.

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The organisation shared that the FIFA Integrity Task Force, which included members and experts from football governing bodies, the FBI, INTERPOL, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Council of Europe, the International Betting Integrity Association and more, found that there were no suspicious betting patterns or any indication of match manipulation.

Experts analysed betting markets and on-field activity in real time and concluded the operation without any incident to report.

On its website, FIFA said: "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.

"During the tournament, FIFA centralised the collection of betting‑monitoring reports and other relevant data and information provided by Task Force members, as well as information received through available reporting mechanisms. This information was subsequently analysed and shared among Task Force members in line with operational procedures."

Liam Rich, FIFA’s Senior Integrity Manager said that the force "provided a strong framework" when it came to "sharing intelligence and assessing potential concerns" and members will look to do the same in future tournaments, including next year's Women's World Cup.

FIFA open investigation into Argentina behaviour in World Cup final

FIFA still have two ongoing investigations following on from the World Cup, focusing on Argentina and their post-match antics.

La Albiceleste are subject to probe over the displaying of a banner after the semi-final win over England.

Multiple players held the banner, which carried the message, "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" - translated as "The Falklands are Argentine".

In addition, FIFA opened an investigation into the fracas following the World Cup final loss to Spain after Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina and assistant manager Roberto Ayala all appeared to assault opposition players.

The governing body's post-match disciplinary committee appointing a disciplinary and ethics prosecutor to analyse what happened.

The prosecutor will determine whether Argentina breached Article 13 of the disciplinary code, which includes "violating the basic rules of decent conduct" and "behaving in a way that brings the sport of football and/or Fifa into disrepute".

Sanctions could include fines and bans depending on the verdict.