Refereeing controversies overshadow 2026 FIFA World Cup

USA: The 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered thrilling football, but refereeing decisions have emerged as one of the tournament’s biggest talking points.

Across 100 matches, a series of controversial calls has sparked global debate, shifting attention away from the players and onto match officials. While previous World Cups saw VAR help reduce major disputes, this edition has faced widespread criticism over officiating. The debate has intensified further following comments and involvement from U.S. President Donald Trump, adding another dimension to the scrutiny surrounding FIFA’s refereeing system.