World Cup VAR Decisions Explained: Iran Goal Disallowed and Ngoy's Red Card

During the match between Iran and Belgium, Mehdi Taremi scored in the 25th minute following a cleverly executed free kick. The goal sparked excitement but was soon overturned after a lengthy VAR review determined Taremi was marginally offside. The call was particularly close, as it involved his backside being ahead of the last defender when the ball was played. Although the decision took time, especially given the available technology, the referees correctly ruled out the goal.

Belgium's Nathan Ngoy Receives Red Card

At the 66th minute mark, Belgium’s Nathan Ngoy was sent off for denying a clear goal-scoring chance. After miscontrolling a pass near the opponent's goal, Ngoy fouled Taremi, who seemed poised to score. VAR confirmed the referee's decision, agreeing that all conditions for a red card due to denial of a goal-scoring opportunity were met. The distance to goal and lack of defenders backed up this judgment.

Paraguay vs. Türkiye: Red Card for Almiron

Miguel Almiron of Paraguay was shown a red card for covering his mouth during a heated exchange with Türkiye’s Mert Muldur. This new IFAB rule aims to prevent hidden offensive comments during confrontations. VAR quickly validated the dismissal, sending a firm message that such actions are unacceptable.

United States vs. Australia: Goal Allowed After VAR Review

Alex Freeman’s goal for the USMNT, initially ruled offside, was allowed after VAR showed he was onside at the moment Sergiño Dest took his shot. The VAR also dismissed claims that striker Folarin Balogun interfered with the goalkeeper. The decision was straightforward and correctly overturned the on-field flag.

Canada vs. Qatar: Penalty Decision Reversed

A penalty awarded to Canada was downgraded to a free kick outside the box after VAR showed the foul happened beyond the penalty area. Qatar’s Homam El Amin was upgraded from a yellow to a red card for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. The slow-motion replays helped clarify the exact location of the foul, justifying the change.

Qatar’s Madibo Sent Off for Dangerous Challenge

Assim Omer Madibo received a red card after VAR reviewed a challenge that resulted in a broken leg for Canada’s Ismaël Koné. Although the tackle looked minor live, slow-motion footage revealed a secondary action causing the injury. The referee followed VAR’s advice without reviewing the screen himself, which fits within current protocols despite some debate.

England vs. Croatia: Penalty and Retake

A penalty was awarded to England after Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke. Harry Kane’s initial penalty was saved, but a VAR review found encroachment by defenders, leading to a retake. The decisions were all quick and in line with updated rules on penalty encroachment, which now penalize defenders only if they influence the play after the goalkeeper saves the ball.

Argentina vs. Algeria: Messi’s Controversial Tackle

Lionel Messi’s studs-on-calf tackle on Aïssa Mandi went unpunished with no card issued. VAR reviewed but did not overturn the referee’s decision. Many believe this should have been a red card offense due to the nature of the contact, regardless of intent. Messi was fortunate to stay on the pitch.

France vs. Senegal: No Penalty Despite Late Challenge

Kylian Mbappé was brought down by Sadio Mané in what looked like a late lunge inside the box. The referee upheld his decision of no penalty after an on-field review prompted by VAR. The explanation that Mbappé initiated contact raised eyebrows, and the decision might affect the referee’s future assignments.

Sweden vs. Tunisia: Goal Allowed via Ball Tracking Technology

Substitute Mattias Svanberg scored within seconds of entering the field, but the goal was first disallowed for offside. VAR used Adidas’ Connected Ball Technology to detect a slight flick by Alexander Isak, which reset the play and allowed the goal. This technology provided clarity in a situation impossible to judge by eye.

Switzerland vs. Qatar: Semi-Automated Offside Tech Failure

The new semi-automated offside system failed to generate graphics during a key incident involving Remo Freuler. Despite the technical glitch, VAR manually checked and confirmed no offside occurred before awarding Switzerland a penalty. FIFA acknowledged the issue but assured fans the correct decision was made, though doubts linger.

United States vs. Paraguay: Correct Yellow Card Change

Tim Ream’s mistaken yellow card was rescinded after VAR identified the real offender as Miguel Almirón, who was punished for simulation. This application of new laws helps prevent unfair bookings caused by deception, improving fairness on the field.

Mexico vs. South Africa: Multiple Red Cards Reviewed

South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole became the first player sent off in this World Cup for denying a goal-scoring chance. Themba Zwane later received a red for striking an opponent, a decision many saw as harsh but consistent with VAR protocols. Mexico’s César Montes was also shown red late in the game for a foul that stopped a potential attack, though some questioned whether it met the threshold for an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.