World Cup 2026: Five VAR calls that ignited group-stage controversy
From disallowed stoppage-time goals to penalty appeals waved away, VAR decisions repeatedly took centre stage during the 2026 World Cup group stage, shaping results and sparking debate across continents.
The 2026 Fifa World Cup group stage delivered high drama on the pitch-but much of the discussion off it centred on refereeing and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) interventions.
Several key decisions proved decisive in tight matches, altering momentum, denying late winners and, in some cases, influencing qualification scenarios, according to an Al Jazeera report.
Players, coaches and fans were left divided over the consistency and interpretation of the technology.
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Here are five of the most contested VAR-related incidents from the opening phase of the tournament.
Iran's stoppage-time heartbreak overturned
Iran thought they had secured a dramatic late draw – and potentially a place in the knockout stage – when Shoja Khalilzadeh bundled the ball home deep into stoppage time against Egypt.
Celebrations were abruptly halted after a lengthy VAR review ruled the goal out for offside. Replays suggested the margin was razor-thin, with Khalilzadeh judged to have strayed just beyond the defensive line.
The decision left Iranian players and supporters stunned at full time, with qualification hopes effectively extinguished.
Colombia denied late winner against Portugal
Colombia were left frustrated after Davinson Sánchez appeared to have snatched victory with a stoppage-time header against Portugal.
The assistant referee raised the flag immediately, and VAR confirmed an offside infringement by the narrowest of margins.
The ruling denied Colombia a perfect group-stage record and quickly became one of the most debated officiating calls of the round.
Ghana penalty appeal rejected against England
Ghana held England to a goalless draw but felt aggrieved not to have been awarded a late penalty.
Ezri Konsa's challenge on Prince Kwabena Adu inside the box went unpunished, with both the referee and VAR opting against intervention.
Ghana's bench reacted strongly after the incident, questioning the consistency of decision-making in key moments.
Vinicius Jr goal ruled out in Brazil win
Brazil's 3–0 win over Scotland featured controversy when Vinicius Jr had an early goal disallowed following a VAR review.
The forward had initially finished clinically after winning possession from Jack Hendry, but the referee later ruled there had been a foul in the build-up. The decision drew criticism from Brazilian observers, who argued the contact was minimal and inconsistent with earlier officiating standards.
Germany goal stands despite Ecuador protest
Germany's 2–1 win over Ecuador was overshadowed by debate over their opening goal, scored by Leroy Sané just minutes into the match.
Ecuador players argued the move should have been halted earlier after Aleksandar Pavlović appeared to catch Pedro Vite with a high boot in the build-up. VAR, however, did not intervene, and the goal stood – a decision that Ecuador officials later questioned after the match.
