Faulty reasoning signals

• Pessimism Bias - 3%
• Availability Heuristic - 1.7%
• Framing Effect - 1.1%

Article text

During this year’s World Cup , one very peculiar image caught the attention of fans and commentators: Portuguese forward Pedro Neto played a match with the back of his cleats cut off, right above the heel. It wasn’t an accident. The modification was intended to relieve pressure on a particularly sensitive area of his foot.

Although the image went viral, it’s not new. For years, some professional soccer players have been modifying their cleats in the same way to reduce friction between the shoe and the heel. In a sport where cleats are fitted to the millimeter and every sprint requires sudden changes in direction, any discomfort in the heel can affect a player’s comfort and, consequently, their performance on the pitch.

The causes of discomfort in the heel area are varied. They range from simple, such as chafing and blisters, to soreness caused by training and exertion, such as tendon inflammation, to chronic conditions like bone deformities that simply cause someone to have a “larger heel” than others.

Among the most frequently cited explanations for heel discomfort during this year’s World Cup is Haglund’s syndrome. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons , this condition is a bony growth or prominence on the back of the heel bone that can rub against the Achilles tendon and cause pain and inflammation. Although technically a “deformity,” the symptoms associated with it—such as insertional tendinopathy and discomfort when wearing closed-toe shoes—make it a condition or syndrome.

Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms or pain. The first strategy is to modify footwear. It is recommended to wear cushioned shoes and avoid tight-fitting ones, such as those used for sports, as well as to use protective heel pads. Since soccer cleats are required by regulation, they cannot be replaced, but they can be modified. It is a “loophole” similar to the one regarding the cut of soccer socks.

The syndrome gained attention following Portugal’s match against Spain. Player Pedro Neto wore two pairs of cleats with the heel section cut off. There is no public information explaining why the forward decided to modify his cleats for that match. Nor is there a statement from Neto or his team confirming a diagnosis of Haglund’s syndrome.

In professional soccer, there is no one-size-fits-all soccer shoe. Although the models used in the World Cup are the same as those available on the market, players customize them to fit the shape of their feet or to alleviate specific discomforts. The soccer shoe that made headlines for its cut-off heel is a Nike Mercurial Vapor 16 Elite.

This article originally appeared on WIRED en Español and has been translated from Spanish.

Locked Out of the World Cup: A Year Marked by Barriers, Borders, and Broken Access

This World Cup, You Can Watch the Game From a Ref’s Point of View

Streamer IShowSpeed Is Gen Z’s ESPN

Redditors Are Using AI to Beat Obscene World Cup Ticket Prices

Mapping Every Flock License Plate Reader Near US World Cup Stadiums

Welcome to the Waymo World Cup

Jorge Garay is a contributor to WIRED en Español. He specializes in technology, cybersecurity, and the legislative impact of social media. He has worked in digital media for 10 years. He is passionate about geek culture, astronomy, and the development of new communication technologies. ... Read More

The Science Behind Why Soccer Players at the 2026 World Cup Are Cutting Their Socks

Holes in socks have become a curious sight at this year’s World Cup. The reasons why are a weird mix of biomechanics, perception, and player habits.

Penalty Shootouts: Is the Team That Kicks First More Likely to Win?

Penalty kicks are already proving critical to big wins at this year’s World Cup. But the advantage in penalty kicks has more to do with psychological effects than who kicks first.

Every Time Norway Scores at the World Cup the City of Bergen Trembles

This curious phenomenon was documented by the seismometer at the University of Bergen, which recorded slight vibrations whenever the national team scored a goal.

1 in 4 World Cup Matches Could Be Played in Dangerous Temperatures

A new report warns that Miami, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Dallas, and Houston could be particularly hot places to play during the 2026 World Cup.

For Iran’s Athletes, There Is No Separating Sports From Politics

From defections and protests to moments of national pride, the 2026 World Cup arrives amid decades of tension between identity and the state.

The 2026 World Cup promises a global celebration. Many Arab fans may find themselves locked out.

How Qatar Became FIFA’s Technology Test Lab

Qatar has become the place where FIFA experiments with the next generation of football technology. The results are already visible across this year’s World Cup.

Everyone’s Mad at the World Cup’s New ‘Hydration Breaks’—Except Mr. Moneybags Over Here

FIFA says hydration breaks protect players from heat. They also create new annoying commercial breaks—and fans are calling foul.

Mexico’s Victory Over Ecuador Made the Ground Shake. Was It an Artificial Earthquake?

Fans’ euphoric reactions to the Mexican national team’s recent victory in the 2026 World Cup caused a series of unusual vibrations that were detected by seismic warning systems.

Scientists Have Identified a New Fossil Species of Axolotl in Mexico

Ambystoma quetzalcoatli is the first fossil salamander to be formally identified in Mexico, revealing that axolotls have inhabited the country for millions of years.

The FDA Ruled That Zyn Pouches Are Safer Than Cigarettes. That Doesn’t Mean They’re Safe

Zyn nicotine pouches, the FDA found, can be advertised as a less-harmful option for adult smokers. But quitting all tobacco and nicotine products remains the best idea.

This World Cup, Bigger Might Not Really Be Better

The biggest World Cup ever is pushing fans, players, and host cities to their limits—and experts say this is only the beginning.

Chris Hamill-Stewart