Sports Illustrated Ranks 11 Controversial 2026 World Cup Calls as VAR Decisions Fuel Anger
Updated
Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jul 8
Sports Illustrated Ranks 11 Controversial 2026 World Cup Calls as VAR Decisions Fuel Anger
3 articles · Updated · Sports Illustrated · Jul 8
Summary
Sports Illustrated’s ranking put Germany’s disallowed extra-time goal against Paraguay at No. 1, after VAR ruled Waldemar Anton impeded goalkeeper Orlando Gill before Jonathan Tah later missed the decisive penalty.
The list argues inconsistent officiating and VAR use have become a defining tournament theme, with managers Thomas Tuchel and Hossam Hassan among those attacking refereeing standards.
Egypt’s round-of-16 loss to Argentina ranked No. 2 after Hassan said a disallowed Egyptian goal was scrutinized while Enzo Fernández’s stoppage-time winner in a 3-2 comeback was not.
Other flashpoints included Lionel Messi avoiding a red card, Folarin Balogun’s straight red that drew intervention from Donald Trump, and England’s Harry Kane being denied what the report called a clear penalty.
The broader picture spans 11 incidents across group and knockout matches, from toe-offside rulings to late penalties, underscoring how officiating has rivaled on-field play for attention at the 2026 World Cup.