Discover how VAR technology is expected to change before the 2026 World Cup, improving fairness and accuracy in every league.
How VAR Could Evolve Before the Next World Cup
Since its global rollout, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system has dramatically reshaped how ACE66 is officiated. While VAR was introduced to enhance fairness and reduce human error, its implementation has sparked heated debates—from delayed decisions and unclear interpretations to inconsistent usage across different leagues.
As we approach the 2026 World Cup, there’s increasing pressure on FIFA and domestic football associations to refine VAR, making it faster, fairer, and more transparent. In this article, we’ll explore how VAR could evolve over the next year and what that might mean for both the tournament and the football leagues that shape the game.
The Current State of VAR
VAR made its World Cup debut in 2018 and was used extensively again in 2022. While its purpose—to assist referees in four match-changing situations (goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity)—remains the same, its execution varies widely between leagues.
Key Issues Today:
- Delays that disrupt game flow.
- Lack of transparency for fans and players.
- Inconsistent interpretation of similar incidents across competitions.
These problems have been echoed in the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, and even the UEFA Champions League, calling for urgent upgrades before VAR returns to the biggest international stage.
What Needs to Change?
1. Faster Decision-Making
Time delays are one of VAR’s most persistent flaws. Some decisions take over three minutes, sapping the momentum and excitement from the match. Technology upgrades, such as AI-powered line detection for offsides and real-time multi-angle replays, could make decisions quicker.
By 2026, FIFA is expected to implement semi-automated offside technology, which was tested at the 2022 World Cup and has since been refined. This will reduce human dependency and make decisions near-instant.
2. More Transparent Communication
Unlike sports like rugby or American football, VAR in football often lacks clarity. Spectators and even players are left confused during reviews.
FIFA and UEFA have considered allowing referees to announce VAR decisions via microphones, similar to NFL officials. If adopted in major leagues before 2026, this could revolutionize how fans engage with the game and improve understanding of controversial decisions.
3. Consistent Global Application
Different leagues apply VAR differently. What’s a penalty in Serie A might not be given in the Premier League. These inconsistencies stem from subjective interpretations and training.
FIFA’s goal for 2026 is to standardize VAR protocols globally, ensuring that referees from all regions apply the same rules with the same training, especially as many of them will officiate international matches.
4. Improved Offside Detection
Traditional VAR offside decisions often come down to a pixel-thin line, which frustrates players and fans alike. The semi-automated offside system used in Qatar 2022, involving limb-tracking and AI, is expected to roll out across top leagues before 2026.
This evolution will:
- Speed up decisions.
- Reduce subjective calls.
- Increase trust in the technology.
5. VAR Light for Smaller Leagues
Not every league has the resources to deploy full VAR setups. A “VAR Light” version using fewer cameras and less staff has already been trialed in select regions. Its adoption would allow more countries to prepare referees and systems that meet FIFA’s minimum VAR requirements ahead of the World Cup.
How VAR Evolution Affects Domestic Leagues
As FIFA pushes for VAR refinement, domestic leagues will serve as testing grounds for new technologies and protocols. This creates a two-way benefit:
- Leagues benefit from faster, fairer decisions.
- FIFA gets real-world data to refine its systems before the World Cup.
Expect major leagues like the Premier League, Bundesliga, and MLS to lead the way, implementing new systems by early 2026.
Referee Training Will Be Crucial
Advanced VAR tools mean nothing without skilled referees to interpret and apply them correctly. FIFA is expected to run intensified training camps for World Cup officials, while top leagues are already investing in more detailed simulation and decision-making exercises for their referees.
Public Trust and Fan Acceptance
One of the most underappreciated aspects of VAR evolution is how it will affect fan culture. Many supporters still see VAR as a disruption rather than a solution. Improving clarity, consistency, and speed will be vital in winning back public trust.
More transparent communication, such as showing replays and referee audio in stadiums, is already being trialed in some leagues and could be standard by 2026.
What FIFA Officials Are Saying
Pierluigi Collina, head of FIFA’s Referees Committee, has acknowledged the need for continuous improvement. His recent comments indicate that VAR in 2026 will be smarter, more streamlined, and globally standardized.
This means fans can expect fewer controversial decisions, and players can expect more consistency no matter what league or country they represent.
The Big Picture: A More Reliable VAR for 2026
By the time the 2026 World Cup kicks off across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, VAR could look very different from its current form. With AI-powered systems, clearer communication, and global standards, football may finally find the balance between human intuition and technological precision.
🏟️ Support Your League—Support the Future of Fair Play
As VAR continues to evolve, its development is deeply connected to how domestic leagues adopt and improve the system. Whether you’re watching the Premier League, La Liga, or your local club, the changes happening now will shape the future of global tournaments.
Support your league and be part of a football future that values fairness, accuracy, and the passion of the beautiful game.
