FIFA announces changes to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system for the remainder of the 2026 World Cup following mounting criticism from teams about refereeing decisions, particularly during the knockout stages. Multiple outlets report that FIFA is modifying how VAR officials are deployed to address concerns raised after contentious calls. Under the updated approach, FIFA keeps Dallas as the central hub for VAR operations but also introduces additional on-site backup VAR support within stadiums. The goal, FIFA says, is to improve the reliability of VAR review processes and reduce the risk of technical disruptions during matches. FIFA also states that the operational changes are intended to strengthen consistency of VAR operations rather than to affect how match incidents are judged. The decision follows continued complaints from teams and growing scrutiny of VAR’s role in decision-making during later parts of the tournament.