VAR (Video Assistant Referee) is used at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to review and correct clear and obvious errors in key match situations.
What VAR Can Review
VAR is used in four main situations:
- Goals and goal-scoring situations
- Penalty decisions
- Direct red card incidents
- Cases of mistaken identity in disciplinary actions
VAR Updates for World Cup 2026
FIFA has introduced an upgraded VAR system, including:
- Semi-automated offside technology with faster audio alerts to assistant referees
- Clear offsides (approx. 10 cm or more) flagged with minimal delay
- VAR review of corner kick decisions before the restart
- Ability to review second yellow cards
These updates aim to reduce delays and improve match flow.
How VAR Affects Your Bets
From a betting perspective:
- Bets are settled based on the final official match result
- The result includes any changes made after VAR reviews
- If a goal is disallowed by VAR, it does not count for your bet
- If a penalty is awarded or overturned, the final confirmed decision applies
Important Notes
- Bets are never re-settled based on temporary in-game decisions.
- Only the final confirmed match result after all VAR reviews is used for settlement.