Do you want to learn more about the interesting features of the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
What VAR technology is used in the World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to witness a technological revolution in the form of goal-line technology and video assistant referees (VAR).
These cutting-edge systems aim to enhance:
- The accuracy and fairness of refereeing decisions
- Ensuring that every goal, penalty
- The red card is awarded or disallowed correctly.
Goal-line technology, using high-speed cameras, will provide an instant indication of whether the ball has crossed the goal line, eliminating any doubt or controversy surrounding goals.
VAR, on the other hand, will allow the referee to review replays of specific incidents, such as fouls, penalties, and red cards.
The introduction of these technologies promises to transform the way football is officiated at the highest level, minimizing human error and enhancing the overall integrity of the game.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the world of football eagerly awaits the impact of goal-line technology.
Which Team Will Host the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by:
- Canada
- Mexico
- The United States
It will be the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams and 104 matches.
It will also be the first World Cup to use two advanced technologies to assist the referees in making accurate and fair decisions:
Goal-line technology and video assistant referee (VAR).
What is Goal-Line Technology?
Goal-line technology is a technical means of instantly determining whether the whole of the ball has crossed the goal line or not.
It helps the referees to avoid any mistakes or controversies when awarding or disallowing a goal.
The technology uses 14 high-speed cameras to transmit a signal to the referee’s watch within one second of the ball crossing the line if a goal was scored.
Goal-line technology was first used at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
It has since become a standard feature in major tournaments and leagues.
What is Video Assistant Referee (VAR)?
Video assistant referee (VAR) is a system that allows the referee to review certain decisions with the help of video replays.
The VAR team consists of a video assistant referee and three assistant video assistant referees, who are located in a video operation room and have access to various camera angles and replays.
The VAR team can communicate with the referee through a headset and advise him on four types of situations:
Goals and offenses leading up to a goal, penalty decisions and offenses leading up to a penalty decision, direct red card incidents, and mistaken identity.
The referee can also initiate a review by making a TV screen gesture with his hands.
The referee has the final say on whether to accept or reject the VAR’s advice or to consult the pitchside monitor himself.
VAR was first used at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and has since been implemented in over 100 competitions worldwide.
What are the Benefits and Challenges of Using Goal-Line Technology and VAR?
The use of goal-line technology and VAR aims to improve the quality and integrity of the game by reducing human errors and enhancing transparency.
However, the technologies also pose some challenges and limitations, such as:
- The cost
- Time
- The consistency
- Acceptance of the system by the players, the fans, and the media.
Therefore, FIFA has been working on developing and testing the technologies to ensure their efficiency and reliability.
As well as providing education and training to the referees and the stakeholders to familiarize them with the system and its application.
How will Goal-Line Technology and VAR Affect the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a historic event for many reasons, and the introduction of goal-line technology.
And VAR will add another dimension to the spectacle and the excitement of the tournament.
The technologies will not only assist the referees in making the right calls.
But also enhance the experience and the enjoyment of the fans and viewers around the world.
How much will the Referees Earn at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
The referees who will officiate the matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will also receive substantial compensation for their work.
According to some reports, each match referee will receive a base salary of $70,000 for their participation in the tournament.
Plus a match fee of $3,000 for the group stage and $10,000 for the playoffs or the final.
The assistant referees will receive a base salary of $25,000, plus a match fee of $2,500 for the group stage and $5,000 for the playoffs or the final.
The fourth official and the video assistant referee will receive the same match fee as the assistant referees.
A successful referee who would officiate all the games, including the final, could earn up to $300,000 during the tournament.
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