VAR Expansion: Second Yellows and Corners to Be Reviewed at 2026 World Cup
FIFA is set to significantly expand the use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system at the 2026 World Cup, encompassing reviews of both second yellow cards and corner kick decisions. This change, spearheaded by FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina, aims to enhance fairness and accuracy in crucial match moments.
Expanding VAR’s Scope
Currently, VAR intervention is limited to goals, penalty kicks, direct red cards, and cases of mistaken identity when issuing red cards. The upcoming expansion will broaden the scope to include two frequently debated areas of the game: second yellow cards leading to a sending-off, and the awarding of corner kicks. Collina emphasized the importance of minimizing incorrect decisions that could drastically alter the outcome of a match, particularly at a high-stakes tournament like the World Cup. Source
Addressing Concerns About Delays
A common criticism of VAR is the potential for lengthy delays during matches. Collina has acknowledged this concern and stated that minimizing disruption remains a primary objective. He noted that corner kick reviews may not add significant time, as play often pauses while defenders position themselves for the set piece. Source
The Rationale Behind the Change
The decision to expand VAR’s remit stems from a desire to ensure that results are determined by player performance, not by refereeing errors. Collina explained that a wrongly issued red card or a misawarded corner kick that leads to a goal could unfairly decide a competition. Source The aim is to provide referees with technological support to make more accurate decisions, while still retaining the referee as the ultimate decision-maker.
Looking Ahead
The implementation of these changes will be closely monitored during the 2026 World Cup. FIFA is committed to refining the VAR process to balance accuracy with the flow of the game. Further adjustments may be made based on feedback and observations from the tournament. Source