adminFIFA has implemented a change to the VAR system ahead of the 2026 World Cup semi-final clash between England and Argentina.
The two sides will meet for the first time since November 2005 on Wednesday night at the Atalanta Stadium. At 39 years old, Lionel Messi will face an English side for the first time in his 22-year professional career.
England are chasing just their second-ever World Cup final appearance, six decades after their sole triumph in 1966. Argentina, meanwhile, are targeting their seventh final and aim to become the first back-to-back world champions since Brazil in 1962.
The victor will go on to face Spain, who produced a brilliant team display to shock tournament favourites France at the Dallas Stadium on Tuesday. First-half and second-half goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro secured La Roja’s place in their first World Cup final since 2010.
According to The Mirror, VAR officials for England’s semi-final against Argentina will now be stationed inside the Atlanta Stadium, rather than operating from a remote hub.
The decision is believed to have been prompted by growing criticism and intense scrutiny over officiating standards during this summer’s tournament.
Following several controversial calls in the quarter-finals, FIFA has acted to address the concerns.
Previously, VAR teams worked from a central facility at the International Broadcast Centre in Dallas, regardless of the match venue. However, amid mounting pressure over refereeing quality, FIFA’s shift marks a major adjustment to the tournament’s review process.
The new setup should minimize the potential for communication glitches between on-field referees and VAR staff.
“There’s a lot of drama that unfolds in these games,” said Dan Hunt, Owner of FC Dallas and a FIFA World Cup Organising Committee member. “And look, when you are asking only four officials to manage what’s going on on the field, it’s very difficult on a field that’s much bigger than an American football field.
“I’m glad that there’s gonna be on-site. I don’t know what that communication’s gonna look like.”
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