Here's how VAR works in soccer, what plays can be reviewed and what's new at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

England will reach the World Cup final if they beat Argentina in the semi-final on Wednesday, but they face a huge battle with their old rivals in Atlanta

As you watch or read about the World Cup, there's a good chance that you'll see someone talking about VAR. But what is it? VAR is the use of the video assistant referee to review decisions made in a game for clear and obvious errors or missed incidents.

Spain's 2-0 World Cup semi-final win over France sparked confusion after referee Ivan Barton overturned a free-kick initially awarded to France. Many believed VAR had intervened, but the decision was actually changed following advice from the assistant referee,

As 48 nations battle for World Cup glory, another group has endured a similarly grueling path to soccer’s biggest stage: the referees.

The match between Argentina and Egypt has started to generate divided opinions and sparked a debate about the work of the referees. The controversy even led to public complaints from players and the coaching staff of the African team.

VAR has changed how soccer is officiated and it has new powers at the 2026 World Cup. Here is how the video review system works.