Unexpected, curious and even unusual events have been recorded after 11 intense days of the 2026 World Cup. A referee who needed help from the players due to a cramp, a team awarded with jewels after tying and the striking patches on Lionel Messi’s shirt They stand out among the stories that show the “other side” of the tournament.
Players assist the referee: An unusual scene occurred in Seattle during the match between the United States and Australia. German referee Felix Zwayer suffered a severe cramp in his left leg in the final minutes and fell to the grass with obvious expressions of pain.
The game stopped immediately and it was the footballers themselves who came to their aid. American forward Folarin Balogun and Australian midfielder Aiden O’Neill stretched his leg to relieve the discomfort.
South Africa, awarded for tying
After the 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic on the second day of the Group A, the 26 South African players and coaching staff received personalized luxury jewelry and watches, valued at more than $50,000 each.
The recognition was made possible thanks to a commercial agreement between the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the American jeweler Icebox, based in Atlanta.
The African team managed to equalize in the 83rd minute with a penalty converted by Teboho Mokoena, a result that allowed them to add their first point and maintain their chances of advancing to the round of 32. To do so, they must beat South Korea on June 24.
Lula’s mockery of Neymar
Neymar, who continues to recover from a calf muscle injury, was the subject of criticism from the president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, which quickly went viral. “He’s not even playing. I’ve read that he’s the first to be called up to a World Cup who works remotely. He’s a ‘home office’ player.”commented the president.
The statements also have a political background, since Neymar supported Jair Bolsonaro, Lula’s main rival, in the last elections. “Someday we will have to make an artificial intelligence selection with eleven Pelés,” added the Brazilian president.
Messi, the player with the most patches
Lionel Messi made history by making his debut in the 2026 World Cup with a hat trick that placed him alongside German Miroslav Klose as the tournament’s all-time top scorer, with 16 goals. But it also stands out for another detail. His number 10 shirt is the one with the most official patches in this World Cup: it sports four badges.
On the front he carries the Qatar 2022 world champion; on the right sleeve, the 2026 World Cup logo; in that same area, a “Legacy Badge” patch for having played in five consecutive World Cups; and on the left sleeve, the Ballon d’Or badge from the previous tournament.
Thirst for football… and beer
Fans who attended the stadium AT&T in Arlington for the match between England and Croatia consumed 45,349 beers in a nearby bar, according to Texas Live.
The figure even exceeded the consumption recorded in Dallas Cowboys playoff games, on a day marked by high temperatures.
The presence of English fans was also felt in Dallas, especially at the Londoner Pub, a British-style bar that was completely overwhelmed. About 5,000 beers were consumed that night alone, and clearing the place was no easy task.