Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina in Atlanta tonight (July 15), FIFA has decided to have an on-site VAR team for the marquee clash.
Regardless of where each game is being played, the VAR team had been operating from a central hub at the International Broadcast Centre in Dallas till now. However, for the aforementioned game, the on-siite officials will serve as a contingency option in case of technical or communication issues.
Thanks for the submission!
FIFA World Cup Organising Committee member Dan Hunt explained why VAR will operate on-site for the second semi-final (as per Sport Bible):
“There’s a lot of drama that unfolds in these games. And look, when you are asking only four officials to manage what’s going on on the field, it’s very difficult on a field that’s much bigger than an American football field. I’m glad that there’s gonna be on-site. I don’t know what that communication’s gonna look like.”
FIFA has received much flak for inconsistent VAR calls during the tournament, with holders Argentina being the biggest beneficiaris of calls in their favour and none against, while England have been at the other end of the spectrum, with a net negative score.
Spain await winner of 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina
Spain became the first team to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup final when they produced a midfield masterclass to end Didier Deschamps’ France’s hopes of winning a third title.
La Roja scored with both shots on target, with Mikel Oyarzabal opening the scoring in the first half from the spot following Lucas Digne’s foul on Lamine Yamal before Pedro Porro doubled their advantage after the break.
The 2010 champions now await the winner of the second semi-final between England and Argentina on Sunday (July 19) at New York New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford.
De La Fuente’s side are looking to become the seventh team to win the World Cup multiple times and the first to complete the European Championship-World Cup double twice, having first achieved it 16 years ago in South Africa.
Argentina – riding a record 11-game winning streak in the competition – are two wins away from becoming the first team in 64 years to successfully defend their title. Meanwhile, England haven’t been to the title match since their maiden title-winning campaign at home in 1966.
Edited by Bhargav