VAR Controversies at the 2026 World Cup

Video Assistant Referee decisions have stirred up discussions at the 2026 World Cup. Players, coaches, and fans are divided over several calls in both the group stage and knockout rounds.

This is the third World Cup with VAR since it started. This time, officials have more power, including the ability to give yellow cards for mistaken identity.

Sports website Planet Football has listed ten of the most controversial VAR moments from the tournament so far.

10. Argentina v Egypt
Egypt had a second goal canceled by VAR for a foul earlier in the play after they led Argentina 2-0. Planet Football said the call was correct but mentioned Egypt's frustration. They were upset that the foul was called so far back in the play. They also felt they should have had a penalty just before conceding the winning goal. Egypt reportedly filed a formal complaint with FIFA. Coach Hossam Hassan claimed there was bias in the officiating.

9. England v Ghana
Ghana was denied a penalty in a goalless draw. Ezri Konsa brought down Prince Adu inside the box. Planet Football called Konsa’s challenge careless and said Ghana felt it should have led to a penalty.

8. Brazil v Scotland
Vinicius Junior had what would have been Brazil’s second goal ruled out for a very slight foul on Jack Hendry. Brazil still won the match.

7. Colombia v Portugal
Davinson Sanchez's goal for Colombia was canceled for offside by a tiny margin after a VAR check. It looked onside during the game. Former England striker Wayne Rooney criticized the decision on BBC, saying: “It’s onside, I don’t care what they’re telling me.”

6. Ecuador v Germany
Germany kept a goal that Planet Football said should have been reviewed by VAR. Aleksandar Pavlovic hit Ecuador’s Pedro Vite in the face while trying to play the ball in the buildup.

5. Germany v Paraguay
Germany had a goal by Jonathan Tah disallowed during their round of 32 exit to Paraguay. VAR decided Waldemar Anton had unfairly held Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill at a corner. Planet Football described the decision as soft, pointing out that Gill was back up by the time the goal was scored.

4. Portugal v Croatia
Croatia had a last-minute equalizer by Josko Gvardiol ruled out for offside. Officials decided that Igor Matanovic’s touch on the ball kept Mario Pasalic onside in the buildup. Planet Football said this decision divided opinions but followed the rules.

3. France v Senegal
France was denied a clear penalty after Sadio Mane seemed to foul Kylian Mbappe without touching the ball. The referee kept his no-penalty call after the VAR check and also changed an earlier corner for France to a goal kick.

2. USA v Bosnia and Herzegovina
USA striker Folarin Balogun was sent off after a VAR review for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic. Planet Football said it looked like he had little real intent. The incident even caught the attention of United States President Donald Trump. Balogun's suspension for the next match was later overturned.

1. Argentina v Algeria
Lionel Messi avoided a red card after a challenge on Aissa Mandi. Planet Football said it looked like a dismissal was deserved by the law. VAR did not suggest a review, and the referee only gave a free-kick, making it the biggest VAR controversy of the tournament.