VAR TAKES OVER

The 2026 FIFA World Cup looks set to push video review into brand-new territory.

Instead of sticking to goals, penalties, straight red cards or cases of mistaken identity, FIFA is preparing to expand VAR’s reach into areas the game has never touched before. The biggest potential change is the introduction of VAR checks for corner kicks, allowing officials to review who last touched the ball or whether it actually crossed the line.

It might sound small, but in tight matches, those decisions can swing momentum and even decide knockout games.

Another major proposal is giving VAR the power to review second yellow cards. Right now, officials can only intervene on straight reds, meaning players sometimes get sent off for a pair of borderline cautions with no safety net. Supporters of the change believe it’ll protect players from unfair dismissals and reduce controversy in the highest-stakes moments.

FIFA argues that with a larger tournament format and more matches than ever, accuracy is worth the extra time. They believe these changes will boost fairness and reduce match-changing mistakes, especially in pressure-cooker environments where one wrong call can end a team’s journey.

But critics warn the game could slow down and lose some of its flow if every corner or caution becomes a potential review.

Corners happen constantly, and adding VAR to each tight call might frustrate players, coaches and fans. Others question whether domestic leagues will follow suit, since not every competition has the resources needed for expanded technology.

Love it or hate it, it’s coming fast.

Image credit: Radio Times