The 2026 World Cup hasn’t been without its controversy, as politics continues to be heavily involved in the decision-making.
It’s safe to say that the 2026 World Cup has officially entered its tinfoil-hat era, thanks to a string of truly unhinged refereeing decisions.
Things got so messy after Argentina knocked out Egypt that fans went full detective mode online, claiming the whole tournament was scripted after a couple of debatable calls.
And to prove they weren’t actually running a massive con, FIFA panicked and dragged their VAR officials out of secret remote rooms, planting them directly into stadiums instead. Turns out, hiding your video refs in a distant bunker is a fantastic way to make the entire world think you’re rigging the games.
Former England referee chief Keith Hackett upheld the integrity of the decision-making, stating that there has been no fixing at the World Cup.
Now, Nico O’Reilly has shared his faith in the tournament.
What is your reaction to Jarrell Quansah getting a two-game ban when Folarin Balogun didn't even get one?
FIFA have hit the defender with a two-match ban for his red card against Mexico…
Nico O’Reilly believes the 2026 World Cup has been a ‘fair tournament’
Ahead of England’s clash with Norway, it was Nico O’Reilly’s turn to face the media.
It was almost inevitable that a question would be posed on all the ongoing speculation around ‘match fixing’ and the decisions that have been made at the World Cup.
A report asked:
“Is it a fair tournament, Nico?”
O’Reilly then responded:
“Yes.”
This follows on from the controversy that also surrounded the decision to send Jarell Quansah off and ban him for two games following the red card.
The FA argued that VAR didn’t follow the right protocol, but the appeal was dismissed.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
