The Wildest Moments of This World Cup

Every World Cup brings its share of strange and memorable events, but this edition seemed especially lively compared to the quieter winter tournament in Qatar. Here’s a rundown of 21 unforgettable stories that might stick around longer than the matches themselves.

1. Balogun’s Presidential Intervention

Donald Trump was expected to interfere frequently during this tournament but stayed mostly silent until Folarin Balogun received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Trump then lobbied FIFA’s Gianni Infantino to lift Balogun’s suspension, allowing him to play in the round of 16 against Belgium. The US lost decisively, and Belgium celebrated with Trump’s signature YMCA dance, teasing FIFA on social media to overturn the decision.

2. Danny Murphy’s Cat Tales

During Norway vs Ivory Coast, BBC commentator Danny Murphy shared memories about his old cat named Bob, sparked by Norway’s Oscar Bobb. He revealed Bob once jumped into a Royal Mail van and went missing for weeks before returning feral. Murphy added the cat later lived with friends in Preston, though visits weren’t allowed. The odd personal story became a quirky subplot throughout the tournament.

3. Little Lamine’s Big Spotlight

Spain’s young star Lamine Yamal impressed on the pitch, but his three-year-old brother Keyne stole attention during celebrations after Spain’s final win against Argentina. Keyne waved and blew kisses from the stands, appearing again after the victory over Belgium. Meanwhile, an unnamed baby in diapers was spotted at the Saudi Arabia vs Uruguay match, possibly the youngest World Cup attendee ever.

4. Unusual Refereeing Decisions

Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron was the first to be penalized under a new rule forbidding players from speaking while covering their mouths. He was sent off just before halftime against Turkey after an opponent reported him. Referee Iván Barton appeared visibly annoyed. Early in the tournament, referee Wilton Sampaio showed a commanding presence despite some controversial calls.

5. Henderson’s Celebratory Injury

England’s Jordan Henderson hurt himself vaulting advertising boards after the round-of-16 win over Mexico. Unlike many fans watching late at night, Henderson wasn’t under the influence of alcohol but rehydration powders. His attempt to join celebrating fans ended with a broken left arm, ending his tournament.

6. Scottish Bagpipes Take Over Boston

Scotland’s team may have struggled on the field, but their fans brought life everywhere they went. In Boston, the Tartan Army marched with bagpipes, drums, and line dancing. A few misplaced traffic cones caused minor chaos but boosted local hospitality businesses.

7. Steve Clarke’s Grumpy Interviews

Scotland’s coach Steve Clarke made no secret of his dislike for post-match interviews, offering only 22 seconds after a 3-0 loss to Brazil. After another defeat to Morocco, he questioned why such interviews were even necessary.

8. Bielsa’s Frustrated Media Moments

Uruguay’s Marcelo Bielsa was not in the mood for media duties, sometimes shouting before interviews. His disdain was clear in a pre-tournament photo shoot where he refused to smile, contrasting sharply with flashy broadcast graphics.

9. Qatar’s Paid Fans

Despite appearances, some passionate Qatari supporters in North America had their travel, tickets, and lodging covered by a "Qatari Fans Delegation Program." About 1,000 fans got this all-expenses deal, meaning many watched more of their team than anyone else wanted.

10. A Voodoo Curse on Kane

Before England’s group game with Ghana, witch doctor Nana Kwaku Bonsam claimed to curse Harry Kane—not wishing serious harm but enough to stop him. Kane’s ineffective performance contributed to a 0-0 draw. Bonsam later said he’d visit Kane as friends, though it’s doubtful the England captain will accept.

11. Alien Invasion Predictions

Brazilian spiritualist Vó Bahiana warned of an alien invasion during Brazil’s match against Scotland in Miami. She described visions of players being abducted by spaceships. The only disaster was Scotland’s 3-0 defeat; no extraterrestrials appeared.

12. Henry and Lalas’ Uneasy Partnership

Thierry Henry teamed up with Alexi Lalas on US broadcasts, but their chemistry didn’t match Henry’s famous duos from the past. The tension peaked when Lalas insulted James Corden on air, clearly upsetting Henry.

13. VAR Under Scrutiny

VAR teams were initially shown interacting with cameras, giving a friendly face to video officials. This stopped after Australian referee Shaun Evans made a hand gesture interpreted by some as white supremacy. Evans called it an involuntary twitch, but VAR retreated to serious silence.

14. Emma Hayes’ Curious Studio Setup

ITV placed women's football analyst Emma Hayes in what looked like a kitchen overlooking the Hudson River. She embraced the joke by wearing a feminist shirt honoring her dad on Father’s Day.

15. Tunisia’s Lamouchi Out After One Game

Tunisia’s coach Sabri Lamouchi was dismissed after a single match, a heavy 5-1 loss to Sweden. The team’s poor showing and Viktor Gyokeres’ standout performance sealed his quick exit.

16. Beckham Defends Victoria’s Reaction

Sir David Beckham explained his wife Victoria’s muted reaction to Jude Bellingham’s equalizer against Norway, assuring she was celebrating inside but just less visibly than him.

17. Norway’s Viking Row Celebration

Norway introduced a choreographed Viking row celebration involving drum-banging and light exercises. England fans responded with a chant mocking the rowing theme after beating Norway.

18. Mexico Manager’s Mind Games

Javier Aguirre sparked tension before England’s round-of-16 match by exchanging pleasantries with Jude Bellingham, then reportedly telling Anthony Gordon something less polite.

19. Merlin the Duck Steals Hearts

A duck named Merlin became a viral sensation, waddling to Mexico’s games in a tiny jersey. Despite meeting Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum, Merlin was barred from stadiums due to FIFA’s animal ban.

20. DR Congo’s Living Statue Fan

Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, known as the "living statue" fan of DR Congo, mimics former president Patrice Lumumba during matches. He missed early games due to Ebola quarantine rules, and visa troubles kept him from the round of 32, but younger fan Enock Kabwende took his place.

21. Missing Fan Found Enjoying Barcelona

Michael Hewitt, 65, disappeared for 10 days on his way to the US. Losing his phone, he decided to stay in Barcelona, enjoying England matches in bars. His family worried until he was found safe and well, living his best life abroad.