VAR has stolen the show at World Cup for good and for bad

VAR has become one of the most divisive storylines at the World Cup, with the technology designed to remove clear and obvious errors instead fueling debate over marginal details. With four matches remaining, the article argues that FIFA uses tracking cameras and connected-ball technology to identify offside by inches, toes, and fingertips, producing decisions that are often correct under the laws but can still decide key moments. It cites Iran’s disallowed stoppage-time winner for Shoja Khalilzadeh due to an offside call, and Croatia’s change of outcome against Portugal after VAR detected that a ball grazed the hair of Igor Matanovic during a dramatic reversal. The piece also notes examples where reviews can alter matches and reduce accusations of referee bias. It adds that some reviews remain necessary, and highlights Switzerland’s quarterfinal defeat to Argentina after Breel Embolo received a second yellow for simulation shortly after leveling. The article references the World Cup broadcast through FOX or FOX Sports 1 and streaming via a DIRECTV free trial, while also mentioning ticket availability for World Cup 2026.