VAR has never generated more controversy at a World Cup than in 2026. Three separate high-profile incidents — Balogun's disputed red card, Belgium's denied penalty against Senegal, and Gvardiol's ruled-out header vs Portugal — have left fans, managers, and pundits furious. Here's what happened, why it matters, and how you can play through the controversial calls.
USA 2-0 Bosnia and Herzegovina · 64'
Belgium 0-0 Senegal · 71'
Portugal 2-1 Croatia · 88'
What would you have decided? Play through the VAR calls and see how your ruling changes the game.
Design a referee simulator, a penalty decision game, or a red card challenge. Describe it and we build it.
e.g. VAR referee challenge, penalty or not, decide the red card in World Cup 2026...
Build This Game →Folarin Balogun received a red card in the 64th minute of USA's 2-0 win over Bosnia after a VAR review. ESPN and US Soccer officials argued the challenge warranted no more than a yellow card. The USMNT held on to win with 10 men.
Belgium's apparent penalty in the 71st minute against Senegal was reviewed by VAR and not awarded. Multiple former referee analysts publicly stated the decision was incorrect, as replays showed clear arm contact inside the box.
VAR ruled Josko Gvardiol offside when he headed Croatia in front against Portugal in the 88th minute. The offside was marginal — millimetres on the VAR line — and sparked widespread debate about whether technology at this precision level should determine match outcomes.
The Round of 32 produced at least three major VAR incidents — the Balogun red card (USA vs Bosnia), Belgium's denied penalty (Belgium vs Senegal), and Gvardiol's ruled-out header (Portugal vs Croatia). These are the most high-profile, but smaller disputes have occurred throughout the group stage.
Yes — MakeGame has decision-making games inspired by real-world referee scenarios. Use the game builder to create your own custom VAR challenge, or play from the game cards above to experience the controversial moments yourself.