The 2026 World Cup has sparked a debate about the use of VAR, with many questioning whether it's being applied differently to the Premier League. At first glance, it may seem like VAR is having a more low-key presence at the World Cup, but the numbers tell a different story. The rate of VAR interventions per game is actually higher at the World Cup than in the Premier League last season. This raises an intriguing question: Why does VAR feel so different at the World Cup? Is it the way it's being used, or is it the context in which it's being applied? In my opinion, the answer lies in the philosophy of FIFA's head of referees, Pierluigi Collina. Collina wants to see free-flowing games at a higher tempo, and he's achieved this by setting a higher threshold for challenges on the field. This means that referees are blowing for fewer fouls, and as a result, there are fewer VAR interventions. But it's not just about the number of interventions. The speed at which VAR decisions are made is also crucial. Collina wants his VARs to make quick and decisive decisions, and this has led to much shorter reviews on subjective decisions like penalties and red cards. In contrast, the Premier League has a tendency to procrastinate and over-think, leading to longer VAR reviews. One indirect reason for the difference in VAR usage is the way in which incidents are presented to viewers. At the World Cup, in-game match pictures are delivered by the tournament organizer, and the broadcaster provides the commentary. This means that incidents are replayed only once or twice, while the VAR is looking at a possible red card or penalty. In the Premier League, however, broadcasters like Sky Sports and TNT Sports have a different approach. Their first responsibility is to analyze an incident, show it from every possible angle, and throw it to the pundit. This creates a completely different perspective on each potential incident, and it can lead to a sense of over-analysis. The Premier League must get frustrated that fans still believe VAR is worse in England, even though the numbers are aligned with the World Cup. Two key lessons are clear: while accuracy is most important, speed is the greatest asset for the success of video review. And how it is portrayed can make a huge difference too. So, is the World Cup being refereed like a Premier League game? From my perspective, the answer is no. The World Cup has its own unique context and philosophy, and VAR is being used in a way that is tailored to that context. The numbers may tell a different story, but the way VAR is being applied at the World Cup is a testament to the power of context and philosophy in shaping the way we experience sports.
