During this World Cup, VAR, or video assistant referee, has become ubiquitous (and despised by many). But there was a time when fans and teams loved it. What went wrong?
Players react to FIFA referee Said Martinez as a penalty kick is awarded to Belgium after the VAR review during the World Cup round of 32 match between Belgium and Senegal in Seattle on July 1.
Alex Grimm/Getty Images
hide caption
toggle caption
Alex Grimm/Getty Images
Is VAR spoiling the World Cup?
The Problem With VAR at the 2026 World Cup Isn’t the Technology—It’s Who Interprets It
Commentary: VAR was supposed to take the messy human element out of refereeing. How did it go so wrong?
We’re technology experts. This is the real problem with VAR at the World Cup
VAR was supposed to reduce human refereeing errors but it’s sparking more controversy
This tech was designed to end controversial calls in football. Instead it created new ones
Watch: Why is VAR controversial?
World Cup fans baffled by referee during France vs Spain as decision overturned
What to know about new rules and technology behind FIFA World Cup's most contentious calls
What to know about new rules and technology behind the World Cup's most contentious calls
