FIFA overhauls VAR for the rest of the 2026 World Cup after furious referee complaints from teams

Referee Said Martinez of Honduras checks the VAR during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Belgium and Senegal in Seattle, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Maddy Grassy) FIFA has introduced a major change to its video assistant referee (VAR) operations for the remainder of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, moving VAR officials into stadiums for every remaining match following mounting criticism over officiating during the knockout stages.The new protocol came into effect from Thursday’s quarter-final between France and Morocco and represents a significant change to how the tournament’s control system works. Until now, every VAR decision has been handled remotely from FIFA’s Video Operation Room at the International Broadcast Center (IBC) in Dallas, Texas.The governing body insists the change is designed to boost operational reliability rather than alter the decision-making process, but it comes after a series of high-profile controversies that have put refereeing standards under intense scrutiny.

How FIFA’s new VAR system will work

Under the revised protocol, FIFA will deploy both a main VAR and a back-up VAR at each stadium for the remainder of the tournament.Previously, all controls were conducted solely from the International Broadcast Center in Dallas, where officials monitored each match remotely. While downtown Dallas remains the primary location for VAR operations, the newly deployed on-site officials will act as additional protection should any communication or technical issues arise between the stadium and the central operations center.For the quarter-final between France and Morocco, Uruguayan official Leodan González was named primary VAR, while Tatiana Guzmán of Nicaragua served as backup VAR at Boston Stadium.

France’s Kylian Mbappe talks with referee Facundo Tello (right) and assistant referees Juan Pablo Belatti (left and Gabriel Chad, all three of Argentina) during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between France and Morocco in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Thursday, July 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Should communications with the Dallas center be interrupted, officials at the stadium will be able to continue to review the incident, allowing the referee to conduct on-field checks without disrupting the game.FIFA regulations already state that a match cannot be abandoned due to a failure of the VAR technology. The purpose of the additional officials on site is therefore to minimize the risk of technical problems affecting matches during the decisive stages of the competition.Thursday’s match also featured an experienced Argentinian referee on the pitch led by referee Facundo Tello along with assistant referees Juan Pablo Belatti and Gabriel Chad, with Darío Herrera acting as fourth official and Christian Navarro as back-up assistant referee.

The change follows criticism following the controversial Round of 16 fixtures

The operational adjustment comes after several knockout matches sparked widespread debate over refereeing decisions.Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt proved particularly contentious. Egypt manager Hossam Hassan made an extraordinary attack on French referee François Letexier after the match, accusing him of favoring the reigning world champions.“The referee is unfair, God is sufficient for me and the best solver of things. He is wasting the efforts of the whole nation. The cup is going to Argentina,” Hassan told reporters.“It was clearly a rigged match and the whole world saw it.Egyptian striker Mostafa Ziko echoed those complaints after the defeat.“The referee was not good, he was unfair. His unfairness was clear. He was after us from the beginning of the game. He doesn’t want us to win.”

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan argues with referee Francois Letexier of France during the World Cup round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)

England manager Thomas Tuchel also criticized the standard of performance following his side’s round of 16 victory over Mexico, during which defender Jarell Quansah was sent off.“That’s not good enough,” Tuchel said.“He (the referee) can send any team at any moment. It’s just not enough. It’s just uneven, it’s just unreliable in games.”“Now we have two fourth officials who just scream at you if you take one foot out of the coaching area. It’s just not enough.”The string of controversial decisions fueled debate among supporters, with some taking to social media to make unsubstantiated allegations that some matches were rigged.

Collina defends officials as FIFA strengthens refereeing system

Despite the criticism, FIFA has firmly supported its referees.Referee Pierluigi Collina has publicly defended the integrity of World Cup officials while acknowledging that refereeing will always remain part of the wider football conversation.“Of course constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but baseless accusations have no place in our sport,” Collina said.“No one can question the integrity of FIFA World Cup match officials. When this happens, it can trigger reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not right.”“Similarly, no one can claim that a FIFA referee can be influenced by anyone, not even the FIFA president.”FIFA has not linked the introduction of on-site VAR officials to any individual incident and says the revised protocol is designed to provide greater operational security rather than change official procedures.As the World Cup enters its final phase, football’s governing body will be hoping that the improved VAR structure will keep the focus on the matches themselves as the battle for the trophy continues through the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.