FIFA plans major VAR expansion for 2026 World Cup

FIFA is preparing to introduce a major upgrade to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even though several football governing bodies and leagues initially opposed the plan.

The global football authority wants to widen the scope of VAR to allow reviews on corner-kick decisions, marking one of the most significant shifts since VAR was introduced at the 2018 World Cup.

In October, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for football’s laws, met to discuss possible improvements to the VAR system. While the board agreed on some reforms, one key proposal, using VAR to assess corner-kick situations, was rejected at the time.

According to BBC Sport, many domestic leagues and football administrators argued that expanding VAR in this way could lead to excessive game delays and further disrupt the flow of matches.

Despite the opposition, FIFA is reportedly committed to pushing the rule forward for the 2026 tournament.

The organisation believes adding corner-kick reviews can reduce officiating errors in decisive set-piece situations, especially those that lead to goals or penalty claims.

This move shows FIFA’s willingness to test new officiating technologies on football’s biggest stage, even when consensus has not been reached across all competitions.

While the corner-kick proposal initially faced resistance, IFAB did approve other enhancements to VAR, including the ability to review second yellow-card incidents that may escalate into red cards.

This adjustment is expected to help match officials make more accurate disciplinary decisions during fast-paced games.

With preparations underway for the expanded 48-team World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, FIFA appears ready to use the tournament as a platform for the next evolution of VAR technology.

If approved and implemented, the updated VAR system will mark another step toward deeper technological involvement in decision-making, an area of constant debate among fans, coaches, and football authorities.