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

In the 25th minute, Mehdi Taremi appeared to score for Iran with a clever free kick, similar to Wout Weghorst's 2022 World Cup goal. However, after a lengthy VAR review led by Hernán Mastrángelo, the goal was ruled out due to a marginal offside. The technology showed Taremi’s backside slightly beyond the line while he faced away from the goal. Although the delay sparked discussion, the decision was accurate given the complexity of the play and player positioning.

Belgium’s Nathan Ngoy Receives Red Card

At 66 minutes, Belgium defender Nathan Ngoy was sent off for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO). After miscontrolling a pass, Ngoy fouled Taremi who seemed poised to break clear on goal. The VAR confirmed the referee’s decision since no defenders covered the attacker and the goalkeeper was far back. The foul met all DOGSO criteria, making the red card justified despite some debate about the distance to goal.

Paraguay vs. Türkiye: Almiron’s Red Card for Mouth Covering

Miguel Almiron was shown a straight red card during a heated confrontation for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent. This follows a new IFAB rule aimed at preventing hidden offensive language. The VAR quickly confirmed the send-off, sending a clear message that this behavior will not be tolerated.

United States vs. Australia: Goal Awarded After VAR Review

In the 43rd minute, Alex Freeman scored for the USMNT, but the linesman initially flagged offside. VAR overturned the call, showing Freeman was onside when the shot was taken. Despite claims that teammate Folarin Balogun impeded the goalkeeper, replays confirmed no interference occurred, so the goal stood.

Canada vs. Qatar: Penalty Changed to Free Kick and Red Card Issued

Qatar’s Homam El Amin was originally given a yellow and a penalty awarded to Canada. VAR reviewed the incident, found the foul outside the box, and upgraded El Amin’s card to red. The restart changed to a free kick, reflecting the updated double jeopardy rule concerning DOGSO offenses.

Later, Qatar’s Assim Omer Madibo was upgraded from yellow to red after VAR saw he caused a serious injury to Canada’s Ismaël Koné with a secondary action during a challenge. The referee accepted the VAR advice without viewing the monitor. Although the foul seemed minor in real time, the injury influenced the decision.

England vs. Croatia: Penalty and Retake Due to Encroachment

A penalty was awarded to England after Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke inside the box. Harry Kane’s initial penalty was saved, but VAR ordered a retake because both goalkeeper and defender Josko Gvardiol encroached before the ball was played. The referee confirmed the penalty and the retake without hesitation.

Argentina vs. Algeria: Messi's Challenge Reviewed

Lionel Messi tackled Algeria’s Aïssa Mandi with studs making contact to the calf. The referee called a foul but did not issue a card. VAR reviewed and found no clear error in the decision. Many felt Messi was lucky as such contact usually warrants a red card.

France vs. Senegal: Mbappé Penalty Appeal Denied

Kylian Mbappé went down under a late challenge by Sadio Mané, but the referee rejected penalty appeals even after VAR recommended a review. Upon checking the pitch-side monitor, the referee maintained no foul occurred, claiming Mbappé initiated contact. This reasoning left many questioning the decision.

Sweden vs. Tunisia: Goal Allowed via Ball Tracking Technology

Mattias Svanberg scored quickly after coming on as a substitute, but the goal was initially ruled offside. VAR used Adidas’ Connected Ball Tracking tech to detect a slight touch by teammate Alexander Isak that reset the phase, allowing the goal. This technology provided clarity impossible for the naked eye.

Switzerland vs. Qatar: Semi-Automated Offside System Glitch

During a key moment, FIFA’s new semi-automated offside technology failed to generate the usual graphics. The VAR had to manually draw offside lines. FIFA confirmed the system outage did not affect the decision, but the incident raised concerns about the reliability of the new tech.

United States vs. Paraguay: Mistaken Identity Yellow Card Reversed

Initially, US captain Tim Ream received a yellow card for tripping Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón. After VAR review, it was clear Ream made no contact, and the card was rescinded. Instead, Almirón received a yellow for simulation. This correction highlights the improved ability of VAR to catch deceptive acts.

Mexico vs. South Africa: Multiple Red Cards Reviewed

• Sphephelo Sithole was the tournament’s first red card for DOGSO after fouling a through ball.
• Themba Zwane was later sent off for striking an opponent's face, though some considered the decision harsh since the act didn’t seem violent enough for a red card.
• In stoppage time, Mexico’s César Montes got a red card for DOGSO after clipping Khuliso Mudau. The referee judged the opportunity as obvious, though some argue the attacker might have crossed rather than shot, making the call debatable. VAR upheld the decision due to the subjective nature.