World Cup VAR Decisions Explained: Iran's Disallowed Goal and Ngoy's Red Card

At the 25th minute mark, Mehdi Taremi scored a goal for Iran from a well-executed free kick routine. The move resembled Wout Weghorst's clever stoppage-time goal for the Netherlands in the 2022 World Cup. Yet, after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out due to offside.

The offside decision was extremely tight. VAR technology showed that Taremi was marginally offside, with his backside over the line when the free kick was played. Because he faced away from goal, this subtle position was decisive. Although the review took longer than some expected, the complexity of multiple players involved required careful manual verification.

This call was ultimately correct, even if it stirred debate over the time taken to reach it.

Belgium’s Nathan Ngoy Sent Off for Denial of Goal Scoring Opportunity

In the 66th minute, Ngoy miscontrolled a pass high upfield and then fouled Iran’s Taremi as he appeared set to break through on goal. The referee issued a red card for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO), a decision confirmed by VAR.

The critical factor here was Taremi’s clear path to goal—no defenders or goalkeeper were in positions to prevent a likely scoring chance. Though distance to goal is sometimes debated in such cases, all conditions for DOGSO were met.

Paraguay vs Türkiye: Almiron’s Red Card for Covering Mouth

Late in the first half, Miguel Almiron was sent off for covering his mouth during a heated confrontation with opponent Mert Muldur. This new IFAB rule aims to prevent concealing offensive remarks. Because the context was confrontational, VAR quickly reviewed and upheld the red card.

United States vs Australia: Alex Freeman’s Goal Confirmed After VAR Review

Initially flagged offside, Freeman’s goal was overturned by VAR when replays showed he was onside at the moment Sergiño Dest took his shot. There was no interference with the goalkeeper by Balogun, meaning the goal stood correctly.

Canada vs Qatar: VAR Changes Penalty to Free Kick and Sends Off Defender

Qatar’s Homam El Amin was originally booked yellow and a penalty awarded to Canada. VAR showed the foul happened outside the box, switching the decision to a free kick and issuing El Amin a red card for DOGSO. The slow-motion evidence helped clarify the exact spot of the trip.

Later, Assim Omer Madibo received a red card after VAR reviewed his challenge that caused Ismaël Koné’s leg break. Though the contact looked innocent live, video revealed a dangerous secondary action, prompting the upgrade from yellow to red without the referee needing to view the monitor himself.

England vs Croatia: Penalty Awarded and Retaken Due to Encroachment

Early in the match, Luka Modric fouled Noni Madueke inside the penalty area, leading to a penalty for England. Harry Kane’s first attempt was saved, but VAR ordered a retake because both the goalkeeper and defender encroached into the penalty area during the save phase.

This interpretation follows recent law changes, penalizing players only if they impact the second phase of a penalty.

Argentina vs Algeria: Messi’s Dangerous Tackle Avoids Red Card

Lionel Messi tackled Algeria captain Aïssa Mandi with studs contacting calf and ankle. Despite the foul being unnecessary and forceful, VAR did not overturn the referee’s decision to not issue a card. Many believe this should have been a red card based on the nature of the tackle alone.

France vs Senegal: Mbappé Penalty Appeal Denied After On-Field Review

Kylian Mbappé was brought down by Sadio Mané in the penalty area, but the referee refused to award a penalty after reviewing VAR footage on the pitch. The official judged Mbappé initiated contact. The decision surprised many given the clear late lunge by Mané.

Sweden vs Tunisia: Goal Allowed Through Connected Ball Technology

Mattias Svanberg’s quick goal after coming off the bench was initially called offside. VAR overturned it using Adidas’ Connected Ball Technology, which detected a slight flick by teammate Alexander Isak that reset the play and put Svanberg onside.

Switzerland vs Qatar: Semi-Automated Offside Tech Fails

A technical outage prevented the semi-automated offside system from displaying its usual graphics during a key incident. Despite this, VAR manually checked lines and confirmed no offside before awarding a penalty after Qatar goalkeeper fouled Remo Freuler. FIFA acknowledged the glitch but said it didn’t affect the decision.

United States vs Paraguay: Yellow Card Rescinded for Mistaken Identity

US captain Tim Ream was initially cautioned for a foul, but VAR identified the real offender was Paraguay’s Miguel Almirón, who simulated the foul. Ream’s card was rescinded and Almirón booked instead, showcasing the value of the new mistaken identity rules.

Mexico vs South Africa: Three Red Cards Issued in One Match

South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole was sent off for denying a goal-scoring chance early in the second half, followed by Themba Zwane’s red for striking an opponent's face. Finally, Mexico’s César Montes received a late red card for another DOGSO incident, though some questioned if the last was an obvious goal opportunity.