FIFA is preparing to implement significant changes to its Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, with the goal of faster and more accurate officiating at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. These potential changes, driven by FIFA's refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina and Director of Innovation Johannes Holzmüller, aim to address concerns about delays and errors that have plagued the system since its introduction.
One of the key proposals involves expanding the scope of VAR to include reviews of corner kicks. FIFA believes that adding corner-kick reviews can reduce officiating errors in decisive set-piece situations, especially those that lead to goals or penalty claims. Despite initial resistance from the International Football Association Board (IFAB) and some domestic leagues, FIFA is determined to push forward with this rule for the 2026 tournament. Concerns have been raised that expanding VAR in this way could lead to excessive game delays and further disrupt the flow of matches. FIFA is also considering allowing VAR to correct disciplinary outcomes that hinge on cumulative decisions, such as second yellow cards that lead to red cards. This adjustment is expected to help match officials make more accurate disciplinary decisions during fast-paced games.
To minimize delays, FIFA is exploring new procedures and technologies. Collina has emphasized that "the most important standard is 'no delay,'". FIFA is testing methods to eliminate time-wasting, such as a system trialed at the Arab Cup where injured players were required to return to the field within two minutes.
Adding to the technological arsenal, FIFA plans to use a new AI-powered ball, "Trionda," made by Adidas, at the World Cup. This ball contains a chip that constantly tracks movement and sends live data to officials. The aim is to help referees make quicker decisions, especially during chaotic moments where incidents are often missed. Adidas says the "connected ball technology" will provide real-time data to VAR, along with player position data.
These potential changes have sparked debate within the football community. Some argue that they will lead to fairer outcomes and reduce the impact of human error. Others worry that increased VAR involvement will further disrupt the game's natural rhythm and emotional intensity. Some have concerns about the amount of resources and cameras needed to implement the changes. There are also concerns that the technology could turn corner kicks into forensic investigations.
FIFA is considering a temporary exemption that would allow it to run bespoke officiating trials during its own tournaments. This would break from the usual protocol of debuting new technologies in lower-tier leagues. Despite the ongoing debate, FIFA seems determined to use the 2026 World Cup as a platform for the next evolution of VAR technology. The organization believes that modern technology can solve incidents that have historically been left entirely to the referee's judgment.
