Video assistant referee (VAR) technology once again sparked major controversy during the 2026 World Cup group stage. Several decisions denied teams vital wins or even a place in the next round. Here are the five most disputed calls.
Iran denied stoppage-time winner
Iran's 1-1 draw with Egypt on June 26 featured one of the tournament's most heartbreaking moments. In the third minute of added time, substitute defender Shoja Khalilzadeh tapped home from close range to seemingly send Iran into the knockout stage for the first time. Seattle's stadium erupted in joy, but VAR quickly flagged Khalilzadeh for offside. Slow-motion replays showed he was offside by less than a millimetre.
Colombia's added-time strike ruled out
Davinson Sanchez thought he had secured victory for Colombia against Portugal in Miami on June 27. He headed in from close range off Juan Quintero's cross in stoppage time. However, the assistant referee immediately raised his flag for offside. Replays showed Sanchez's toe was beyond the last defender, leaving Colombia feeling robbed of a win that would have kept their perfect record intact.
Ghana denied penalty against England
Ghana's gritty 0-0 draw with England on June 22 was a resilient performance, but fans rued a missed penalty opportunity. In the 79th minute, England defender Ezri Konsa charged into Prince Kwabena Adu inside the area, making contact with the Ghanaian striker's knee after the ball had already gone. The referee waved play on. “VAR went for coffee,” Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz fumed afterward.
Vinicius Jr's goal disallowed
During Brazil's 3-0 win over Scotland on June 24, Vinicius Jr thought he had doubled the lead in the 22nd minute when he robbed Jack Hendry at the edge of the box and slotted into the far corner. However, VAR called the referee to the monitor, ruling that Vinicius had fouled Hendry—a controversial call given the minimal contact. Brazil Football Confederation president Samir Xaud later wrote to FIFA demanding “consistent standards of VAR intervention.”
Germany's goal stands despite foul
Germany lost 2-1 to Ecuador on June 25, but their consolation goal by Leroy Sane sparked debate. Just two minutes into the match, Sane fired a left-footed shot from Florian Wirtz's pass inside the box. Ecuador protested vehemently, claiming Aleksandar Pavlovic had earlier raised his boot high and caught Pedro Vite in the head. VAR did not intervene, and the goal stood.
