FIFA rejects Norway's complaints over Bellingham goal controversy
FIFA used Connected Ball data to rule out any contact between the ball and a spider-cam cable before Jude Bellingham's goal, but the Norwegian team remains unconvinced.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: YantsImages
FIFA has released an official statement regarding a controversial incident preceding Jude Bellingham's opening goal in the 2026 World Cup quarter-final between England and Norway.
The federation emphasized that the Connected Ball technology recorded no contact between the ball and the spider-cam cable. According to FIFA, the lack of a 'heartbeat' spike from the ball's sensor proves that the ball's trajectory remained unaffected.
The Norwegian camp has disputed this explanation. Midfielder Sander Berge described the situation as ridiculous, noting that the 2-1 result was decided by fine margins. Head coach Stale Solbakken pointed out that many staff members on the bench were convinced the ball changed direction after touching the wire.
Norway captain Martin Odegaard admitted he did not see the incident himself but hinted at general frustration with officiating, suggesting that luck was not on their side regarding key decisions throughout the match.