Video Assistant Referee decisions have continued to spark debate at the 2026 World Cup, with several calls dividing players, coaches and fans across the tournament’s group stage and knockout rounds.
This is the third World Cup to feature VAR since its introduction, and officials have been granted extra powers this time around, including the ability to issue yellow cards in cases of mistaken identity.
Sports website Planet Football has now ranked the ten VAR incidents it considers the tournament’s most controversial so far.
10. Argentina v Egypt
Egypt saw a second goal chalked off by VAR for a foul earlier in the buildup after leading Argentina 2-0. Planet Football rated the call correct but noted Egypt’s frustration at how far back in the passage of play the offence was picked up, especially after the North Africans were denied a possible penalty shortly before conceding the winner. Egypt reportedly lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, with coach Hossam Hassan alleging bias in the officiating.
9. England v Ghana
Ghana were denied a penalty in a goalless draw after Ezri Konsa brought down Prince Adu inside the box. Planet Football described Konsa’s challenge as careless and potentially reckless, and one Ghana felt should have been punished.
8. Brazil v Scotland
Vinicius Junior had what would have been Brazil’s second goal ruled out for what Planet Football called the faintest of fouls on Jack Hendry. Brazil went on to win regardless.
7. Colombia v Portugal
Davinson Sanchez’s goal for Colombia was ruled out for offside by a matter of millimetres after a VAR review, despite appearing onside in real time. Former England striker Wayne Rooney criticised the decision on BBC punditry duty, saying: “It’s onside, I don’t care what they’re telling me.”
6. Ecuador v Germany
Germany were allowed to keep a goal that Planet Football argued deserved a VAR review, after Aleksandar Pavlovic caught Ecuador’s Pedro Vite in the face while going for the ball in the buildup.
5. Germany v Paraguay
Germany had a goal by Jonathan Tah disallowed in their round of 32 exit to Paraguay after VAR ruled that Waldemar Anton had held Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill unfairly at the corner. Planet Football called the decision soft, noting Gill was back on his feet by the time the header came in.
4. Portugal v Croatia
Croatia had a stoppage-time equaliser by Josko Gvardiol ruled out for offside, after officials determined Igor Matanovic’s touch on the ball, rather than a deflection off a Portugal defender, kept Mario Pasalic onside in the buildup — a decision Planet Football said divided opinion despite being consistent with the letter of the law.
3. France v Senegal
France were denied what Planet Football described as a clear penalty after Sadio Mane appeared to foul Kylian Mbappe without touching the ball. The referee not only upheld his no-penalty call after a VAR review but also overturned an earlier corner in France’s favour, ruling it should have been a goal kick.
2. USA v Bosnia and Herzegovina
USA striker Folarin Balogun was sent off following a VAR review for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic that Planet Football said appeared to carry little real intent, in an incident that drew comment from United States President Donald Trump. Balogun’s suspension for the USA’s next fixture was later overturned.
1. Argentina v Algeria
Lionel Messi avoided a red card despite a challenge on Aissa Mandi that Planet Football said looked, by the letter of the law, worthy of a dismissal. VAR did not recommend a review, and the referee’s decision to award only a free-kick stood — topping the list of the tournament’s biggest VAR controversies.
punch.ng
FOLLOW US ON:
