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FIFA Reportedly Seeks Expanded VAR Powers for 2026 World Cup

FIFA will present the plan to IFAB on 20 January, citing the need for maximum accuracy at a World Cup.

Overview

  • The Times reports that FIFA plans to broaden VAR’s remit for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
  • Proposed additions include reviews of second‑yellow (yellow‑red) dismissals and checks on corner‑kick awards when judged incorrect by the VAR, with pure yellow cards still excluded.
  • FIFA is reportedly considering a tournament‑specific exemption to apply the changes even if they are not yet written into the Laws of the Game.
  • The proposals are expected to go before IFAB at its General Assembly in London on 20 January 2026.
  • An IFAB advisory committee has warned that more interventions could slow match flow, echoing wider criticism seen in domestic leagues such as the Bundesliga.