FIFA Advocates for VAR Review of Corner Kicks at 2026 World Cup

According to BBC Sport, FIFA is determined to advocate for the use of VAR to review corner kicks during the upcoming 2026 World Cup. This push comes despite previous hesitations from domestic leagues regarding the expansion of VAR across all competitions. In an October meeting, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which oversees the laws of the game, agreed to allow VAR to review incorrectly issued yellow cards that could lead to a red card. However, the proposal to review corner kicks was not accepted.

The rejection signifies that IFAB must conduct extensive trials globally before any potential implementation at the World Cup in North America next summer.

Pierluigi Collina, the legendary former referee and current head of referees at FIFA, is an advocate for this change as part of a broader review of VAR protocols. Collina referenced an incident from the Euro 2016 final, where Portugal was incorrectly awarded a free kick for handball on the edge of the area, which nearly resulted in a goal. The next IFAB meeting is scheduled for January, where further discussions will take place.

A significant concern among global leagues is that excessive use of VAR could lead to increased time wasting. Mark Bullingham, chief executive of The Football Association and a member of IFAB, previously remarked to BBC Sport, “We don’t believe there’s a need to extend the use of VAR. Ongoing discussions within IFAB focus on the future of VAR. Currently, we feel we are in a good position. If new proposals are brought forward for consideration, we will evaluate them collectively. However, our consensus is that VAR does not require expansion at this time, as the current model already causes considerable interruptions to the game.”

An important rule within the Laws of the Game is that a referee cannot amend a restart decision, even if they later recognize it was incorrect after play resumes. Thus, once a corner is taken and the game is in motion, it must proceed. Should the proposed changes be adopted for the World Cup next year, every corner kick will need to be reviewed by VAR, even though in most instances the decisions will be clear.

Fans are keenly awaiting news on whether FIFA will receive approval for these VAR rule changes. However, thorough trials must be conducted first to ensure the reliability of the proposed methods.