World Cup VAR review: Quansah’s red, Kane’s penalty — did the ref get it right?

The role of the video assistant referee (VAR) has sparked debates across various competitions, and with the FIFA World Cup 2026 on the horizon, scrutiny on its effectiveness heightens. This summer, crucial match incidents will be reviewed to understand the VAR protocols and the enforcement of game laws.

Major Decisions Analyzed

Andy Davies (@andydaviesref), a seasoned referee with over 12 years in elite football, brings valuable insights into VAR’s functioning on World Cup matchdays.

Referee: Alireza Faghani
VAR: Nicolás Gallo Barragán
Time: 54 minutes
Incident: VAR overturn: Potential red card for serious foul play

What happened: Jarell Quansah of England committed a late challenge on Jesús Gallardo. The on-field referee did not initially penalize the action.

VAR decision: The VAR quickly intervened, urging the referee to review the incident after noticing Quansah’s high speed and the nature of the contact. The referee then issued a red card for dangerous play.

VAR review: The VAR’s primary role is to challenge clear on-field errors. In this case, sufficient evidence justified the red card due to Quansah’s reckless actions, posing a danger to Gallardo.

Key Penalty Decisions

Time: 58 minutes
Incident: Penalty awarded to England

What happened: Anthony Gordon was fouled by Mexico’s goalkeeper Raúl Rangel, resulting in a penalty from the on-field referee.

Mexico keeper Raúl Rangel catches Anthony Gordon and it’s a PENALTY awarded to England!

CHAOS IN MEXICO CITY 😱 pic.twitter.com/1FRyWW69ER

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 6, 2026

VAR’s review: The VAR confirmed the penalty without any issues, affirming the on-field decision as accurate.

Verdict: A correct and uncontentious penalty award — Gordon’s touch diverted the ball before the foul, validating the decision.

Time: 68 minutes
Incident: VAR overturn: Possible penalty for Mexico

What happened: Harry Kane inadvertently kicked Mexico’s Brian Gutiérrez while attempting to clear the ball, but the on-field referee initially dismissed penalty claims.

ANOTHER PENALTY 🤯

This play from Harry Kane was ruled a pen after a VAR check pic.twitter.com/sIBYimZqR3

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 6, 2026

VAR’s decision: A review indicated Kane did not make contact with the ball, justifying a penalty for Mexico. The referee concurred after watching the replay.

Verdict: England may feel the decision was harsh, as Kane believed he played the ball. Nonetheless, the VAR’s intervention was necessary based on the clear footage.