The international organization is considering giving new uses to video assistant refereeing ahead of the next World Cup
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The 2026 World Cup could become the testing ground for a new series of modifications to VAR. TheInternational Football Association Board (IFAB) is considering expanding the scope of the technological tool and adding interventions that until now have depended exclusively on the referee's discretion.
The main innovation under evaluation is that VAR could intervene in plays that determine whether a corner kick or goal kick is appropriate, decisions that are currently in the hands of the referee and assistants. According to some English media outlets, the system could also be used to determine whether the ball completely crossed the goal line or to precisely identify who was the last player to touch the ball.
Another proposal under consideration is to review when a player receives a second yellow card to prevent unfair expulsions that could disadvantage a team with an unjust numerical disadvantage in crucial matches.
El VAR podría revisar córners y segundas amarillas
Both proposals generate divided opinions. While in the case of the second booking there is broad consensus, the review of corner kick plays is the most debated, since it could be seen as an increase in game delays with pauses that might not be necessary.
Meanwhile, it should be clarified that, currently, the VAR protocol only contemplates four scenarios: goals (including previous fouls), penalties, direct red cards, and mistaken identity of the sanctioned player.
IFAB's objective is to create a "safety net" that reduces errors in actions that, while they may seem minor, have a significant impact in close matches or decisive moments where every detail counts. Nonetheless, any modification must be approved at the organization's annual assembly, scheduled for March in order to be formally implemented in the regulations. Only then will it be known whether these tests can be applied experimentally at the next World Cup.
