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FIFA has introduced a significant change to its video assistant referee (VAR) operations for the remainder of the 2026 World Cup, moving VAR officials to stadiums for every remaining match following growing criticism over officiating during the knockout stages.The new protocol came into effect from Thursday’s quarter-final match between France and Morocco and marks a significant adjustment to the way the tournament’s review system works. Until now, every VAR decision was handled remotely from FIFA’s video operations room at the International Broadcast Center (IBC) in Dallas, Texas.The governing body insists the change is designed to strengthen operational reliability rather than change the decision-making process, but it comes after a series of high-profile controversies that have put refereeing standards under intense scrutiny.
How FIFA’s new VAR system will work
Under the revised protocol, FIFA will place a primary VAR official and a backup VAR official at each stadium until the end of the tournament.Previously, all reviews were conducted solely from the International Broadcast Center in Dallas, where officials watched each match remotely. While the Dallas hub remains the primary location for VAR operations, the newly deployed on-site officials will act as additional protection in the event of any communication or technical issues between the stadium and the central operations center.For the quarter-final between France and Morocco, Uruguayan official Leodan González was appointed as the primary VAR, while Nicaragua’s Tatiana Guzmán served as the backup 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 center of Dallas is lost, officials inside the stadium will be able to continue to review the incident, allowing the referee to conduct a courtside review without interrupting the game.FIFA regulations already dictate that a match cannot be abandoned due to a failure of the VAR technology. The extra on-site officials therefore aim to minimize the risk of technical problems affecting matches during the decisive stages of the competition.Thursday’s match also featured an experienced Argentine refereeing team on the pitch, led by referee Facundo Tello along with assistant referees Juan Pablo Belatti and Gabriel Chade, with Darío 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 sparked widespread debate over refereeing decisions.Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt proved particularly contentious. Egyptian coach Hossam Hassan attacked French referee François Letexier after the match, accusing him of favoring the current world champions.“The judge is unjust, God is enough for me and the best manager of things. It wastes the efforts of an entire nation. The cup is aimed at Argentina,” Hassan told reporters.“This was clearly a fixed match and the whole world saw it.”Egyptian striker Mostafa Ziko echoed those complaints after the defeat.“The referee was not good, he was unfair. His injustice was obvious. He persecuted us from the beginning of the game. He does not want us to win.”
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan discusses with referee Francois Letexier of France during the World Cup Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)
England coach Thomas Tuchel also criticized the standard of officiating after his side’s round of 16 victory over Mexico, during which defender Jarell Quansah was sent off.Not good enough, Tuchel said.“Hey [the referee] can be sent by any team at any time. It’s just not good enough. He’s just erratic, he’s just unreliable in games.”“Now we have two fourth officials who just scream at you if you step out of the training zone with one foot. It’s just not good enough.”A series of controversial decisions has fueled debate among fans, with some on social media making unsubstantiated accusations that certain matches were rigged.
Collina defends officials as FIFA tightens refereeing system
Despite the criticism, FIFA firmly supported its referees.Referee Pierluigi Collina has publicly defended the integrity of World Cup officials, acknowledging that refereeing decisions will always remain part of the wider football conversation.“Of course, constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but baseless accusations have no place in our sport,” Collina said.“Nobody can question the integrity of FIFA World Cup match officials. When that happens, it can cause reactions that lead to threats against them and their families. That’s not right.”Equally, no one can claim that FIFA’s refereeing can be influenced by anyone, not even the FIFA president.FIFA did not link the introduction of on-site VAR officials directly to any individual incident, arguing that the revised protocol was designed to provide greater operational security rather than alter refereeing procedures.With the World Cup now entering its final stages, football’s governing body will be hoping the improved VAR structure will keep attention focused on the matches themselves as the race for the trophy continues through the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.
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