There was controversy over everything from Iran’s stoppage-time winner being ruled out by VAR to Ghana’s refusal to take a penalty against England.
Published June 28, 2026
During the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, on-field referees and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) made controversial decisions. In some cases, this technology ultimately helped deprive teams of a chance to advance to the playoffs or win an important victory.
Al Jazeera looks at the five most controversial matches of the group stage.
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Khalilzadeh’s late goal ruled out by VAR, hurting Iranian hearts
One of the most controversial officiations was when substitute Shoja Khalilzadeh’s goal in the third minute of stoppage time in Iran’s 1-1 draw with Egypt on Friday was ruled out after a VAR check.
There were wild celebrations at Seattle Stadium after defender Khalilzadeh brilliantly pushed the ball into the goal from close range. This goal should have allowed Iran to advance to the final tournament for the first time. But Iran’s joy quickly turned to heartbreak when VAR ruled Khalilzadeh offside in the build-up. Replays showed Khalilzadeh was offside just a millimeter away, indicating it was a close game.
Colombia loses victory to Portugal due to Sanchez’s harsh offside decision
Davinson Sanchez thought Colombia had won against Portugal when he headed Juan Quintero’s cross at the far post in stoppage time in a stifling game in Miami on Saturday. But before Sanchez could start staggering to the corner flag in celebration, the linesman raised his flag for offside.
Replays of the goal showed Sanchez’s toe was offside, and the Colombians felt they were robbed of a victory that could have kept them at 100 percent in the tournament.
Ghana reject penalty kick in goalless draw against England
Ghana were praised for their guts in their 0-0 draw with England on Tuesday, but fans were left wondering: “What if a penalty was awarded?” In the 79th minute of a match in Boston, England’s Ezri Konsa appeared to take down a charging Prince Kwabena Addo with a lunging tackle inside the box.
Defender Konsa caught forward Adu’s knee without touching the ball, but the referee did not award a penalty, a decision that could have given Ghana the chance to take the lead. “VAR went for a coffee,” said an irritated Ghanaian coach Carlo Queiroz after the game.
Vinicius Junior’s goal in Brazil’s win over Scotland is overruled by VAR
Vinicius Junior thought he had doubled Brazil’s lead against Scotland in the 22nd minute when he snatched the ball from defender Jack Hendry on the edge of the box and fired into the far corner. However, VAR recommended an on-field review to the referee, who subsequently overruled the decision, claiming Vinicius had fouled Hendry in the build-up. Considering soft contact, this claim appears to have been controversial.
Brazil won 3-0 in Miami, but Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Samir Zaud subsequently wrote to FIFA asking for “consistent application of VAR intervention standards and consideration of referee appointments.”
Sane scores Germany goal despite foul, frustrating Ecuador
On Thursday, Germany lost 2-1 to Ecuador, but the way Leroy Sane scored the Germans’ only goal was controversial.
Less than two minutes after kick-off, Sane had the first shot from a Florian Wirths lay-off inside the area, but Ecuador were furious that an early foul was not awarded when Aleksandar Pavlovic caught Pedro Vite’s head with a high boot. VAR did not intervene and the goal stood.
