VAR’s Impact on Egypt vs. Argentina at World Cup 2026 Will Be Unforgettable

I’ve been a long-time supporter of VAR, but even I’m tired of seeing referees reviewing footage mid-game as if they’re solving a crime. Expect to hear variations of this sentiment more often. An overemphasis on the rules is overshadowing the essence of the game, a point critics of the technology have consistently made. Anyone who witnessed Egypt’s loss to Argentina today will likely agree.

Lionel Messi’s squad was already trailing when Egypt made a bold advance down the pitch, weaving through several Argentine defenders to set up a stunning second goal. Mohamed Salah skillfully passed to Mostafa Ziko, who finished cleanly, creating the kind of moment every World Cup viewer dreams of.

But there was a catch: a questionable foul that occurred far from the action before the play unfolded. VAR intervened, prompting French referee François Letexier to review a minor infraction that felt completely disconnected from the brilliance just witnessed. Egyptian midfielder Marwan Attia was penalized for a light touch on Lisandro Martínez’s foot just before the buildup, robbing Egypt of their well-deserved second goal against Argentina.

Although the Pharaohs managed to score again, they ultimately lost 3-2 in a thrilling comeback by Messi’s team. Instead of rectifying an error, VAR cast a shadow over an otherwise fantastic match. Fans united in their disdain for it.

VAR’s review of a distant foul wiped out Egypt’s second goal against Argentina, as highlighted in the broadcast.

The absurdity of VAR has reached new heights.

An incredible Egyptian goal was disallowed due to a foul far away, while a similar situation moments later saw Argentina’s goal stand without a VAR check. FIFA once again appears to be playing favorites.

If VAR had gone any further back in that Egyptian play, we might as well have called in Tutankhamun. How far back do you go? It might have been the right call, but what a shame; that goal would have been a tournament highlight—an 80-yard, majestic move with precise passing.

I’m not quite ready to join the “games gone” crowd, but I’m getting close. Maybe we should just replace referees with a robot that enforces every rule to the letter. That seems to be the direction we’re heading.

Egypt’s disallowed goal was technically within VAR rules, but the technology was never intended for such lengthy reviews of minor fouls that aren’t directly related to the final play. The referee saw the tackle in real-time.

Salah’s foot was tripped in the buildup to Argentina’s third goal, yet there was no VAR check.

Egypt’s disallowed goal contradicted the overall refereeing standards of the tournament. You can’t ignore minimal contact in some instances and then disallow a goal for a slight shirt pull.

Some will point out inconsistencies in how the game was officiated, with certain fouls reviewed by VAR while others were not. Others may argue that the issue lies not with VAR itself but with its application in this case. I’m not a professional commentator or player, and I have no personal stake in this debate other than wanting to enjoy soccer that’s thrilling and fun. I want to be amazed by incredible plays, not by the referee’s gestures that negate those moments.

While many professional sports meticulously manage time, soccer has chosen to prioritize the game’s flow and pace. It’s chaotic, subjective, and far more engaging than the last two minutes of an NFL or NBA game, where time stretches and commercials abound. VAR has always posed a risk to that flow, but it increasingly threatens the memorable moments that fans cherish.

I’d rather deal with the unpredictable nature of human error than watch those same mistakes undermine the joy of the game.