FIFA World Cup: VARiables, politics, and Africa

The 2026 World Cup is facing intense scrutiny, with narratives increasingly centering on alleged manipulation and political maneuvering rather than athletic achievement. Mounting evidence suggests irregularities, leading to questions about the integrity of refereeing decisions and potential bias.

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We believe that a foul is a foul. Regardless of whether the foul appears obvious, if the referee did not see it on the field of play, the VAR can intervene.

FIFA's head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, has defended the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system's application throughout the tournament, stating satisfaction with its use. He addressed specific controversial moments, including a decision not to award Egypt a penalty against Argentina when Mohamed Salah and Julián Álvarez tangled in the box. Collina described the contact as "normal football contact" and reiterated that VAR can intervene only if a referee misses an obvious foul on the field.

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Stepping on an opponent’s foot is a foul, whereas a defender who touches the ball first and then makes normal football contact has not committed a foul.

However, these explanations have done little to quell suspicions, particularly in light of FIFA President Gianni Infantino's past remarks. Infantino's comment to an Argentine reporter about "suffering" with Argentina during a match, despite a quick retraction, has been interpreted by many as confirmation of bias. This perception is amplified by accusations of favorable officiating for Argentina during the 2022 Qatar final, leading fans to scrutinize every marginal call.

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Tonight, I suffered with Argentina... but I’m neutral.