FIFA has introduced a significant change to its Video Assistant Referee (VAR) operations for the remainder of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, moving VAR officials into stadiums for every remaining match after growing criticism of the officiating during the knockout stages.The new protocol came into effect from Thursday’s quarter-final between France and Morocco and marks a notable adjustment in how the tournament’s review system operates. Until now, every VAR decision had been handled remotely by FIFA’s Video Operations Room at the International Broadcast Center (IBC) in Dallas, Texas.The governing body insists the change is designed to enhance operational reliability rather than change the decision-making process, but it comes after a series of high-profile controversies put refereeing standards under intense scrutiny.
How FIFA’s new VAR system will work
Under the revised protocol, FIFA will place one primary VAR official and one reserve VAR official at each stadium for the remainder of the tournament.Previously, all reviews were conducted exclusively from the International Broadcast Center in Dallas, where officials monitored each match remotely. While the Dallas center remains the primary location for VAR operations, the newly deployed on-site officials will act as an additional safeguard in the event of communication or technical issues between the stadium and the central operations center.For the quarter-finals between France and Morocco, Uruguayan official Leodan González was appointed as primary VAR, while Nicaragua’s Tatiana Guzmán served as reserve VAR at Boston Stadium.
France’s Kylian Mbappe talks with referee Facundo Tello, right, and assistant referees Juan Pablo Belatti, left, and Gabriel Chade, all three of Argentina, during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between France and Morocco in Foxborough, Mass., near Boston, Thursday, July 9, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
If communication with the Dallas center was interrupted, officials in the stadium could continue to review the incidents, allowing the referee to make reviews on the field without disrupting the match.FIFA regulations already state that a match cannot be suspended due to a failure of the VAR technology. The additional officials on site are therefore intended to minimize the risk of technical problems affecting the parties during the decisive stages of the competition.Thursday’s match also featured an on-field refereeing team from all over Argentina, led by referee Facundo Tello with assistant referees Juan Pablo Belatti and Gabriel Chade, with DarÃo Herrera as fourth official and Christian Navarro as reserve assistant referee.
The change follows criticism after the controversial Round of 16 matches
The operational adjustment comes after several knockout matches generated widespread debate over refereeing decisions.Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Egypt was particularly contested. Egypt manager Hossam Hassan launched an extraordinary attack on French referee François Letexier after the match, accusing him of favoring the reigning world champions.“The referee is unfair, God is enough for me and the best disposer of affairs. It wastes the effort of an entire nation. The cup is headed for Argentina,” Hassan told reporters.“This was clearly a rigged match and the whole world saw it.”Egypt forward Mostafa Ziko echoed those complaints after the defeat.“The referee was not good, he was unfair. His injustice was clear. He persecuted us from the beginning of the match. We don’t want to win.”
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan talks with referee Francois Letexier of France during the World Cup Round of 16 soccer match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)
England manager Thomas Tuchel also criticized the standard of officiating after his side’s round of 16 win in Mexico, during which defender Jarell Quansah was sent off.“It’s not good enough,” Tuchel said.“Hey [the referee] can send any team out at any time. It’s not good enough. He’s just erratic, he’s just unreliable in matches.”“Now we have two quarterbacks who yell at you if you step outside of a coaching area. That’s not good enough.”The series of controversial decisions fueled debate among supporters, with some taking to social media to make unfounded allegations that some matches had been rigged.
Collina defends officials as FIFA strengthens refereeing system
Despite the criticism, FIFA has strongly supported its referees.Pierluigi Collina, director of refereeing, publicly defended the integrity of World Cup officials while acknowledging that refereeing decisions would always remain part of football’s wider discussion.“Of course, constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport,” said Collina.“No one can question the integrity of the FIFA World Cup party officials. When this happens, it can cause reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. This is not fair.”“Equally, no one can claim that FIFA refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even the FIFA president.”FIFA has not linked the introduction of on-site VAR officials directly to any individual incident, maintaining that the revised protocol is designed to provide greater operational security rather than changing office procedures.With the World Cup now entering its final stages, football’s governing body will be hoping the enhanced VAR structure will keep the focus on the matches themselves as the race for the trophy continues through the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.
