The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has once again found itself at the centre of controversy during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with several decisions leaving players, coaches and supporters questioning the consistency of officiating.
As the tournament progresses through the knockout stages, a number of VAR interventions have dominated post-match discussions, with some calls praised for their accuracy while others have been heavily criticised.
Football publication Planet Football has highlighted what it considers the 10 most contentious VAR incidents of the tournament so far.
10. Argentina vs Egypt
Egypt thought they had sealed a crucial victory after scoring a second goal against Argentina, only for VAR to cancel the effort because of a foul detected earlier in the attacking move. Although the decision was considered technically correct, many questioned how far back officials went to identify the infringement. Egypt also felt they were denied a penalty earlier in the match and reportedly lodged a complaint with FIFA over the officiating.
9. England vs Ghana
Ghana were left frustrated after referee officials declined to award a penalty when defender Ezri Konsa challenged Prince Adu inside the penalty area. The decision sparked debate over whether VAR should have recommended an on-field review.
8. Brazil vs Scotland
Brazil forward Vinicius Junior had a goal ruled out after VAR spotted what was deemed a foul on Scotland defender Jack Hendry during the build-up. The incident divided opinion, with many arguing the contact was too minimal to warrant disallowing the goal.
7. Colombia vs Portugal
Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez saw his goal ruled out after VAR judged him to be offside by the narrowest of margins. The decision drew criticism from former England striker Wayne Rooney, who insisted the defender appeared onside despite the technology’s verdict.
6. Ecuador vs Germany
Germany escaped punishment after Aleksandar Pavlovic caught Ecuador midfielder Pedro Vite in the face during the build-up to a goal. Critics argued the incident deserved a closer VAR review before the goal was allowed to stand.
5. Germany vs Paraguay
Jonathan Tah thought he had scored for Germany before VAR intervened, ruling that teammate Waldemar Anton had illegally impeded Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill from a corner kick. The decision was widely viewed as harsh because Gill had recovered before the header found the net.
4. Portugal vs Croatia
Croatia were denied a dramatic late equaliser after VAR ruled Josko Gvardiol’s goal offside. Officials concluded that a teammate’s touch—not a Portuguese defender’s deflection—determined the offside position, a judgment that split opinions among fans and analysts.
3. France vs Senegal
France were left furious after officials refused to award a penalty for a challenge involving Sadio Mane and Kylian Mbappe. Following a VAR review, the referee maintained the original decision and even reversed an earlier corner kick award, instead giving Senegal a goal kick.
2. USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina
United States striker Folarin Balogun received a red card after a VAR review for a tackle on Tarik Muharemovic. The dismissal generated widespread criticism, with many believing the challenge did not warrant such severe punishment. His suspension was eventually overturned before the USA’s next match.
1. Argentina vs Algeria
The most controversial VAR moment of the tournament came when Lionel Messi escaped a red card following a challenge on Algeria defender Aissa Mandi. Although many observers argued the tackle met the threshold for a dismissal, VAR chose not to recommend an on-field review, allowing the referee’s original decision to stand.
With the tournament entering its decisive phase, VAR continues to divide opinion, highlighting the fine margins that can shape football’s biggest matches. While technology has improved decision-making in many instances, several of this year’s biggest talking points have shown that controversy remains an unavoidable part of the modern game.