VAR Reviews Disallow Goals and Issue Cards as FIFA Moves Officials into Stadiums

Video assistant referee reviews have produced several disallowed goals and cards during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. nypost.com reported that Iran had a stoppage-time goal ruled offside because Shoja Khalilzadeh’s toe was offside. Croatia had a goal disallowed after the ball grazed Igor Matanovic’s hair.

Referee Joao Pinheiro checked the VAR monitor during the Argentina versus Switzerland quarterfinal at Kansas City Stadium on July 11, 2026. Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation minutes after Switzerland equalized against Argentina on the same date.

Swiss manager Murat Yakin said after the match that football did not come out on top and that the VAR and the rule is just unnecessary.

FIFA introduced a new mistaken-identity rule allowing VAR review of simulated dives. Egypt manager Hossam Hassan accused FIFA of injustice after Egypt’s Round of 16 elimination against Argentina. Germany was eliminated in the Round of 32 after Jonathan Tah’s extra-time goal was disallowed by VAR on June 29, 2026.

Folarin Balogun received a red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina that led to international headlines, political debate, FIFA appeals, and President Donald Trump’s involvement. Belgium’s suspension of Balogun was lifted ahead of its Round of 16 match. ” FIFA moved VAR operations from a centralized facility in Dallas to placing dedicated VAR officials inside every remaining stadium during the tournament.

FIFA head of refereeing Pierluigi Collina defended match officials and condemned conspiracy theories and personal attacks. Four matches remain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.