Lipreader reveals what really went down during World Cup couple’s viral argument

A viral clip of a couple having a bust-up in the stands at the World Cup has sparked countless theories online, with viewers convinced they were witnessing the beginning of a spectacular relationship meltdown.

Now a professional lipreader believes she has worked out what was actually being said.

The two South African fans were filmed during their country’s match against South Korea earlier in the tournament in Monterrey.

What began as enthusiastic flag-waving quickly appeared to descend into a tense exchange after the man was seen looking at his phone.

The footage spread from TikTok right across all social media, where thousands of viewers happily filled in the blanks themselves.

‘How can I file a divorce for someone else?’ one person joked on X. Another quipped: ‘The divorce came out of nowhere.’

Others were convinced the man had been caught looking at another woman, while some guessed he was secretly placing bets on the match.

Professional lipreader Nicola Hickling believes the conversation actually started for a very different reason, however.

Hickling told the Daily Mail the woman accidentally hit a young boy sitting next to her with the flag she was waving. She then apologised and moved the flag away from him.

According to Hickling’s analysis, the woman then noticed her partner looking at his phone before he showed her what was on the screen.

‘There is nothing to see. The lads took pictures and sent them,’ he appeared to say.

The woman then asked: ‘Why are you looking?’ He replied: ‘I’m not looking at other women.’

The disagreement continued, with the pair apparently going back and forth while the match carried on around them. At one stage the woman sat down, seemingly attempting to end the conversation.

The man repeatedly turned to continue speaking to her, appearing increasingly frustrated as the exchange went on. Much to the amusement of many people online.

According to Hickling, he then said: ‘Maybe this is why I don’t mention things.’ The woman responded: ‘That’s enough.’

Moments later, the man appeared to tell her: ‘Shut up.’ She then replied: ‘I am sick of you always arguing.’

Neither member of the couple has publicly commented on the clip, meaning Hickling’s interpretation remains the best clue we have as to what went down between them.

Not everyone was focused on the couple themselves, though. Plenty of viewers thought the real villain of the piece was the person operating the camera.

A number of commenters branded the camera operator ‘nosy’ for keeping the lens trained on the pair instead of the football.

Others admitted they were grateful they did, given the clip ended up becoming one of the tournament’s most talked-about off-pitch moments.

Whatever really went on and was sent, here’s hoping they’ve patched things up now. And put down the flag and phone.