The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) once again became a major talking point during the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, with several contentious decisions sparking debate and, in some cases, altering the fate of teams chasing a place in the knockout rounds, reports Al Jazeera.
Here are five of the most controversial VAR moments from the group stage:
Iran's knockout dream ends on marginal offside
Iran were left heartbroken after Shoja Khalilzadeh's stoppage-time winner against Egypt was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.
The defender appeared to have fired Iran into the last 32 with a dramatic late goal, but replays showed he was offside by the slimmest of margins in the build-up. The decision denied Iran a historic first-ever place in the World Cup knockout stage.
Colombia denied late winner against Portugal
Davinson Sanchez thought he had sealed victory for Colombia with a stoppage-time header against Portugal in Miami.
However, the assistant referee flagged for offside before VAR confirmed the defender was ahead by only a toe. The decision frustrated Colombian fans, who believed their side deserved all three points.
Ghana's penalty appeal waved away
Ghana were left fuming after being denied what appeared to be a clear penalty in their goalless draw with England.
In the 79th minute, England defender Ezri Konsa caught Prince Kwabena Adu inside the penalty area without making contact with the ball, but neither the referee nor VAR awarded a spot-kick.
"VAR went for a coffee," Ghana coach Carlo Queiroz said after the match.
Vinicius Jr's goal ruled out for Brazil
Brazil had a second goal against Scotland disallowed after VAR recommended an on-field review.
Vinicius Jr had capitalised on a defensive mistake before finishing clinically, but the referee judged he had fouled Jack Hendry during the build-up. Although Brazil still won 3-0, the Brazilian Football Confederation later urged FIFA to ensure greater consistency in VAR decisions.
Germany goal sparks Ecuador protests
Germany's opening goal against Ecuador also generated controversy.
Leroy Sane scored just two minutes into the match, but Ecuador argued the move should have been stopped after Aleksandar Pavlovic appeared to catch Pedro Vite with a high boot moments earlier. VAR did not intervene, allowing the goal to stand despite Ecuador's protests.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
