Video Assistant Referee decisions have become one of the defining talking points of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with several high-profile calls sparking fierce debate among players, coaches and supporters.

The tournament is the third FIFA World Cup to feature VAR, with officials also given expanded powers, including the ability to issue yellow cards in cases of mistaken identity. Despite those changes, several rulings have remained highly contentious.

Also read: Spain beat France 2-0 to reach World Cup final

Sports website Planet Football has ranked what it considers the tournament’s 10 biggest VAR controversies so far.

At number 10 is Argentina v Egypt. Egypt had a second goal ruled out after VAR detected a foul much earlier in the build-up.

While Planet Football agreed with the decision under the laws, it noted Egypt’s frustration because the offence occurred several phases before the goal.

The North Africans had also been denied a penalty appeal before Argentina scored the winner, prompting Egypt coach Hossam Hassan to allege bias and lodge a complaint with FIFA.

Number nine features England v Ghana. Ghana were denied a penalty after Ezri Konsa brought down Prince Adu inside the penalty area during a goalless draw.

Planet Football described the challenge as careless and argued VAR should have recommended a penalty.

At number eight is Brazil v Scotland. Vinicius Junior had what would have been Brazil’s second goal ruled out after VAR identified what Planet Football described as the slightest of fouls on Jack Hendry. Brazil nevertheless went on to win the match.

The seventh-ranked controversy came in Colombia v Portugal. Davinson Sanchez had a goal ruled out after VAR judged him offside by only a few millimetres.

Former England striker Wayne Rooney, speaking on BBC television, criticised the decision, saying: “It’s onside, I don’t care what they’re telling me.”

At number six is Ecuador v Germany. Germany were allowed to keep a goal despite Aleksandar Pavlovic appearing to catch Ecuador midfielder Pedro Vite in the face during the build-up. Planet Football argued the incident warranted a VAR review.

Fifth on the list is Germany v Paraguay. Jonathan Tah’s goal was ruled out after VAR determined Waldemar Anton had illegally impeded Paraguay goalkeeper Orlando Gill from a corner.

Planet Football labelled the decision soft, noting Gill had already regained his footing before the header was scored.

Fourth is Portugal v Croatia. Croatia thought they had scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser through Josko Gvardiol, only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside.

Officials determined Igor Matanovic’s touch, rather than a deflection off a Portugal defender, affected the phase of play and left Mario Pasalic offside.

Third is France v Senegal. France were denied a penalty after Sadio Mane appeared to foul Kylian Mbappe without touching the ball.

Following a VAR review, the referee upheld the original decision and also changed an earlier corner award into a goal kick.

Second is USA v Bosnia and Herzegovina. United States striker Folarin Balogun was sent off after a VAR review for a challenge on Tarik Muharemovic.

Planet Football questioned whether the tackle warranted a red card, and Balogun’s suspension was later overturned after review.

Topping the rankings is Argentina v Algeria. Lionel Messi escaped a red card after a challenge on Aissa Mandi that Planet Football argued met the threshold for serious foul play.

VAR chose not to recommend an on-field review, leaving the referee’s decision to award only a free-kick unchanged.

The 2026 World Cup VAR Controversies have once again highlighted the fine margins involved in elite football officiating.

Also read: Spain beat France 2-0 to reach World Cup final

While FIFA introduced VAR to reduce clear and obvious errors, the technology continues to generate intense debate over consistency, interpretation and the balance between precision and the spirit of the game.