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The Truth About 'Earthquakes' Caused By Jubilant Sports Fans

The rumors heated up as the international competition entered its final weeks.

by Taija PerryCook, June 19, 2018


This image shows U.S. Men's National Team Players Cristian Roldan and Christian Pulisic.

Image courtesy of Emilee Chinn, accessed via Getty Images


As the 2026 FIFA World Cup heated up, we kept up with rumors swirling around the national soccer teams fighting for the top spot.

For example, we examined a rumor that one of the Iranian players made a celebratory gun gesture and another that Norway's team brought its own food and chefs to the U.S. In the past, Snopes also reported on topics surrounding the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, held in Russia and Qatar, respectively.

Below are 15 claims we've looked into involving the FIFA World Cup over the years about the players, team rivalries, tickets for fans — and more.


By Taija PerryCook

Taija PerryCook is a Seattle-based journalist who previously worked for the PNW news site Crosscut and the Jordan Times in Amman.

Iran's World Cup soccer team appears on the right with a message thanking Los Angeles for its hospitality appearing on the left.

Iran soccer team's message thanked LA for hospitality after World Cup match

June 23, 2026

"May peace, respect, and friendship prevail among all nations," the team's message concluded.

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Norway's star striker Erling Haaland, a white man with blond hair, smiles after a World Cup victory against Iraq on June 16, 2026.

Why Norway's World Cup team brought its own food and chefs to US

June 23, 2026

There's no evidence that the Norwegian team imported ingredients and took its own chefs to the U ...

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This image shows Iranian soccer player Mohammad Mohebi celebrating his goal in the match against New Zealand on June 15, 2026.

Was Iranian soccer player Mohammed Mohebi deported from US after 'gun gesture' celebration?

June 19, 2026

Mohebi made the sign after scoring a goal against New Zealand's World Cup team.

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Does video show Uruguay's soccer team being searched by sniffer dog in US? What we know

June 19, 2026

On June 15, 2026, Uruguay faced Saudi Arabia for their first match at the 2026 World Cup.

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Did Trump offer crypto rewards to FIFA World Cup fans? Don't be fooled

June 9, 2026

Trump's endorsement of cryptocurrency, including his promise to make the U.S. the world's "crypt ...

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A photo shows Pope Leo XIV wearing white, including a white head covering, and giving a thumbs up to a crowd.

Did Pope Leo XIV say he'd 'probably' cheer for Peru over US in FIFA World Cup?

May 1, 2026

Social media users shared a genuine July 2025 quote from the pontiff but omitted some context.

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A composite image shows a soccer ball on a green pitch and a passport with a U.S. visa.

Will US ban World Cup attendees over antisemitism online? We investigated

April 23, 2026

The Trump administration said in an executive order it wants to keep out people with "hostile at ...

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What Mamdani actually said about World Cup tickets

Jan. 10, 2026

In January 2026, the New York City mayor signed executive orders battling junk fees and hidden c ...

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Don't fall for video of FIFA president criticizing Trump for taking Club World Cup trophy

July 17, 2025

Gianni Infantino has a close relationship with Trump.

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Trump said he kept original 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Trophy?

July 15, 2025

Chelsea, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup tournament champions, allegedly held up a duplicate trophy ...

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Is FIFA considering moving 2026 World Cup matches outside US due to concerns over Trump's immigration policies?

June 3, 2025

Social media users promoted the rumor about FIFA and the 2026 World Cup using AI-generated videos.

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Did Budweiser Tweet and Delete This About the World Cup Games in Qatar?

Nov. 18, 2022

The last minute turnaround on alcohol policy caught tournament organizers (and a major sponsor) ...

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Banner, Text, Person

Other Sanctions on Putin: No More Black Belt, World Cup, Or Eurovision

March 1, 2022

International governments aren't the only ones attempting to punish Russia for its unprovoked in ...

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Did Gareth Southgate Wear an 'It's Coming Home' Waistcoat?'

July 6, 2018

The sartorial aspects of Gareth Southgate, manager of England's national football team, have dra ...

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Mexico fans celebrating.

The Truth About 'Earthquakes' Caused By Jubilant Sports Fans

June 19, 2018

Headlines regarding the seismic potential of sports fans are largely meaningless from a scientif ...

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