‘Disgrace of Gijon’ – Why teams play final World Cup group matches same time (opens original article in a new tab)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage will have all final matches played at the same time, a rule introduced after the controversial 1982 'Disgrace of Gijon' match where teams allegedly underperformed knowing their advancement was already secured.

• Final World Cup group matches are played simultaneously to prevent teams from adjusting strategies based on earlier results.
• The 1982 'Disgrace of Gijon' match between West Germany and Austria led to rule changes ensuring simultaneous play in final group stages.
• Referee Bob Valentine recalled the 1982 match as a moment when he realized the game was not being played with full intensity.