The 2026 World Cup, initially seen as a showcase for technology's potential to end refereeing disputes, has instead become a hotbed of controversy, with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at the center of every major debate. From disallowed goals to contentious red cards, the system has drawn sharp criticism from coaches, players, and even world leaders.
Egypt's Heartbreak and VAR's Role
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan expressed his frustration after his team lost 3-2 to Argentina in the round of 16. A goal was disallowed by VAR due to a foul at the other end of the pitch, and a penalty shout was ignored. “What’s happening isn’t fair,” Hassan said. FIFA referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina defended the decision, stating, “There is no defined limit regarding either the distance from goal or the amount of time between the incident and the goal. We believe that a foul is a foul.”
Expanded VAR Interventions
VAR was introduced to correct “clear and obvious” errors, such as Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal in 1986. At the 2018 World Cup, there were 20 VAR interventions in 64 matches, and fewer than 30 in 2022. However, in 2026, with 104 matches, interventions have skyrocketed. Collina, in collaboration with IFAB, expanded VAR's scope to four new areas. Network scientist Brennan Klein from Northeastern University noted, “This kind of dystopian future of over-refereeing everything fails to address what it’s originally designed to intervene on. Fans in the stadium seem to be voting with their boos.”
Croatia vs. Portugal: A Controversial Disallowed Goal
In a round-of-32 match, Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol scored in the 13th minute of stoppage time, but VAR disallowed it because the ball had touched teammate Igor Matanovic, making him offside. A sensor in the ball detected contact, possibly from Matanovic’s hair. FIFA stated the sensor “is capable of determining any slight contact.” Croatia’s Luka Modric, whose 24-year World Cup career ended with the 2-1 loss, criticized the decision: “It’s either being used incorrectly or selectively, depending on the size of the team. If it’s a 200% mistake, you intervene. If it’s a grey area, there’s no reason to get involved.” The Croatian football federation (HNS) called it “an abuse of technology” and wrote to FIFA for an explanation.
Red Cards and Presidential Involvement
Red cards have more than tripled compared to 2018 and 2022, with 13 issued by the end of the round of 16 in 94 games. At least two—for U.S. striker Folarin Balogun and England defender Jarell Quansah—would not have been shown before VAR. U.S. President Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to overturn Balogun’s ban, though Infantino denied involvement. England manager Thomas Tuchel fumed after a VAR penalty was awarded against captain Harry Kane in a 3-2 win over Mexico: “Is this a clear and obvious error? For sure not. Referees just not good enough.”
