World Cup 2026: Controversial Referee and VAR Decisions Impact Group Stage Matches
Summary
Controversial referee and VAR decisions during the World Cup 2026 group stage affected match outcomes, including disallowed goals and denied penalties that disappointed fans and teams.
Key Points
- Shoja Khalilzadeh’s goal for Iran was disallowed by VAR due to a marginal offside call, preventing Iran's advancement to the knockout stage.
- Davinson Sanchez's injury-time goal for Colombia was ruled offside by a narrow margin, denying Colombia victory against Portugal.
- Ghana was denied a penalty after a controversial tackle during their goalless draw with England, sparking disappointment among supporters.
- VAR disallowed Vinícius Júnior's goal for Brazil against Scotland for a minimal foul, prompting a complaint from the Brazilian Football Confederation president.
