The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been marked by several refereeing decisions that sparked intense debate among fans, players, and analysts. VAR reviews, disallowed goals, and controversial disciplinary calls have once again placed video assistant refereeing at the center of the conversation.

Aware of the atmosphere surrounding the tournament, FIFA decided to implement additional measures ahead of the quarterfinal clash between France and Morocco.

FIFA defends the transparency of VAR

Amid the criticism, FIFA Referees Committee chairman Pierluigi Collina publicly defended the officials, insisting that refereeing decisions are made completely independently and without outside influence.

He also explained that every goal is reviewed by VAR, and that any infringement detected during the attacking phase can trigger a review, even if it occurred several seconds before the ball crossed the line. Collina added that the new technological tools introduced at the World Cup are designed to provide greater transparency and accuracy in every decision.

France and Morocco under the spotlight

The showdown between France and Morocco will not only determine one of the semifinalists at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but will also serve as another major test for the tournament's refereeing system.

Following the controversies seen throughout the competition and with memories of the 2022 World Cup semifinal still fresh, all eyes will be on both the players' performances and the VAR decisions, as FIFA looks to ensure that officiating does not become the main talking point once again.