What Plays Can the VAR Review During the FIFA World Cup 2026?

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will not only bring major changes to the tournament format, but also adjustments in how technology is applied on the field. The VAR, or Video Assistant Referee system, will continue to evolve with the goal of making football fairer, reducing refereeing errors, and maintaining a more dynamic pace of play.

Since its official implementation, the VAR has sparked debate among fans, players, and coaches. For some, it represents an essential tool to ensure correct decisions; for others, it has disrupted the natural flow of the game. However, FIFA remains committed to refining its use, and for the 2026 World Cup, new features and clearer criteria are expected.

Currently, the VAR intervenes only in specific situations considered decisive within a match. One of the main ones is goal review. Every goal is automatically analyzed to verify that there was no prior infringement, offside, handball, or foul that may have gone unnoticed by the central referee or assistants.

This process allows errors that could change the course of a match to be corrected. Often, an action leading up to a goal happens in seconds and is difficult to detect in real time, making technology a crucial support tool.

Another key situation is penalty review. The VAR analyzes possible fouls or handballs inside the box to confirm whether an infringement truly occurred that warrants a penalty kick. It can also intervene to correct incorrect decisions, either by overturning a wrongly awarded penalty or recommending a review of a play that was not properly seen.

Straight red cards are also among the reviewable actions. Due to the speed of modern football, some aggressive plays or dangerous tackles may escape the referee’s view. The VAR allows these plays to be observed from different angles and helps determine whether a sending-off is necessary.

Additionally, the technology is used to resolve errors related to player identity. In high-intensity matches or confusing situations, the referee may show a card to the wrong player. The VAR helps correctly identify the responsible player and avoid unfair sanctions.

One of the most important innovations for this FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the VAR’s intervention in second yellow cards. Until now, these types of actions were not reviewable, but the new criteria will allow analysis of plays in which a previously booked player is at risk of receiving a second yellow card.

The intention is to prevent dismissals caused by refereeing errors and ensure that disciplinary decisions are as accurate as possible.

Another notable implementation will be the review of plays related to corner kicks. Although these actions were not previously analyzed, it was identified that some incorrect decisions could directly influence subsequent goals. With this new measure, officials will seek to correctly determine whether the ball actually crossed the goal line and which player last touched it.

Slow-motion technology will also be used to determine the last touch of the ball in tight situations. This will allow for more precise decisions in corner kicks, throw-ins, or plays near the end line.

However, not all reviews will be conducted in slow motion. Plays involving cards and physical contact will primarily be reviewed at normal speed. This is because slow-motion replays can exaggerate the intensity of an action and alter the real perception of the play.

The evolution of the VAR aims to find a balance between accuracy and flow. The idea is not to constantly stop matches, but to intervene only when there is a clear and decisive error.

With these new tools and criteria, the FIFA World Cup 2026 promises to deliver more precise and transparent officiating. Technology will continue to play a key role in the development of modern football, helping to reduce controversy and ensure greater sporting fairness.

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