Revolutionary VAR Overhaul Coming to Transform 2026 World Cup Experience

FIFA is reportedly broadening the scope of video assistant referee (VAR) technology for the 2026 World Cup to encompass decisions on second yellow card offenses and corner kick awards.

What began as a straightforward method to rectify "clear and obvious" officiating mistakes has transformed into one of soccer's most controversial recent innovations. VAR remains under constant criticism for causing delays and producing puzzling verdicts throughout Europe's premier competitions, particularly following the disputed disallowance of Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk's strike against Manchester City.

Regardless of the persistent criticism, VAR is poised to receive enhanced jurisdiction during the forthcoming World Cup. The Times indicates that football's governing bodies will authorize VAR to utilize additional capabilities on an experimental basis during the sport's premier competition next summer.

Beyond its current coverage of goals, penalties, red cards and player identification errors, VAR will gain the ability to assess second yellow card incidents and step in when officials incorrectly award corner kicks. The objective is to prevent significant mistakes that might influence World Cup match results.

The suggested modifications are anticipated to be presented before the International Football Association Board's (IFAB) Annual Business Meeting in January.

FIFA Trialing Radical New VAR Rule

With seven months remaining before the 2026 World Cup commences across the United States, Canada and Mexico, FIFA is utilizing the Arab Cup to test another potential VAR modification: addressing players who simulate injuries.

Athletes receiving medical attention for injuries during the Qatar tournament must exit the field for two minutes before re-entering; however, this regulation doesn't apply when the fouling player receives a yellow or red card.

This decision follows Chelsea midfielder Moisés Caicedo's apparent exaggeration of a potential injury to evade dismissal after his reckless tackle on Arsenal's Mikel Merino during the season's first London derby in the Premier League.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke similarly criticized Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma for allegedly faking an injury, allowing Pep Guardiola to provide tactical guidance during an eventful second half between the teams at the Etihad.

Any modifications officially adopted for the World Cup would take effect on June 1.

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