'Cable' controversy at the World Cup: Norway protested, FIFA had the final say

In the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals, England defeated Norway 2-1 with a goal in extra time to secure their place in the semi-finals. However, following the match, England's first goal became the center of controversy.

The Norwegian side claimed that the ball hit the spider-cam system's cable just before Jude Bellingham's equalizer in the 45+2nd minute. According to the claim, the ball, which went into the air following a goal kick by goalkeeper Orjan Nyland, touched the cable and changed direction.

REACTION FROM NORWAY TOWARD THE REFEREE AND VAR

In the continuation of the play, the ball fell to Elliot Anderson for England. As the English team continued their attack with two passes, Jude Bellingham found the back of the net to bring the score to 1-1.

Norwegian players and the coaching staff protested that the incident was not reviewed by VAR and that French referee Clement Turpin allowed the goal to stand.

According to the Laws of the Game, if the ball touches the spider-cam system or its cable, play is stopped and restarted with a dropped ball at the point of contact.

FIFA: NO EVIDENCE FOUND

Following the escalation of the debate, FIFA shared its assessment of the issue. In the statement, it was noted that the sensor data of the connected ball was examined and no evidence was found that the ball touched the cable.

Before England’s goal in minute 45+2 against Norway, the sensor in the Connected Ball showed no peak in the 'heartbeat of the ball' when in the air, and therefore no evidence that the ball touched the overhead wire and changed the movement of the ball. pic.twitter.com/gYf9ukfveT

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) July 11, 2026

The statement read, "Before England's goal in the 45+2nd minute against Norway, no peak was detected in the connected ball's sensor while the ball was in the air. Therefore, there is no evidence that the ball touched the overhead cable and changed its movement."