FIFA has announced a significant expansion of the Video Assistant Referee’s (VAR) powers for the 2026 World Cup, marking a bold step aimed at strengthening fairness, precision, and accountability in global football’s biggest showpiece.
The enhanced framework will allow VAR to step in when an incorrect corner kick is awarded—an often-overlooked decision that can drastically influence the momentum and outcome of a match. Additionally, referees will now be able to consult VAR during second-yellow-card incidents to ensure player dismissals are accurate and justified.
The new measures underscore FIFA’s commitment to reducing costly officiating errors, particularly in the high-stakes environment of the World Cup.
“These enhancements are aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the game by preventing mistakes that could alter match results,” a FIFA official stated. “VAR is not intended to replace referees but to support them in making decisions that are fair and consistent.”
As anticipation builds toward the 2026 tournament, the expanded role of VAR is expected to reduce controversy, refine decision-making, and reinforce the principles of fair play on football’s grandest stage.
With technology increasingly woven into the fabric of modern football, FIFA’s latest reforms reaffirm its dedication to precision, transparency, and protecting the competitive spirit of the game.