FIFA Set to Use VAR for Corner Kicks at the 2026 World Cup

Introduction

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has become a cornerstone of modern football officiating, yet its scope remains limited to four specific match events: goals, penalties, direct red cards and mistaken identity. In October 2023, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) debated a proposal to broaden VAR to include corner‑kick decisions. Although the proposal was rejected at that session, FIFA announced in early 2025 that it will trial VAR reviews of corner kicks at the 2026 World Cup in North America. This article examines the rationale behind the move, the technical challenges, the reactions from leagues and officials, and the potential impact on the sport.

Analysis

Why Expand VAR to Corner Kicks?

Corner kicks are the second‑most frequent set‑piece after free kicks and account for a substantial share of goals in top‑level competitions. Data from the 2022/23 Premier League season show that approximately 10 % of all goals originated from corner situations. Mistakenly awarded corners—or the failure to award a corner after the ball crosses the goal line—can therefore influence match outcomes dramatically.

IFAB’s Decision Process

During the October 2023 IFAB meeting, representatives from the six FIFA confederations voted on a draft amendment to the Laws of the Game that would add “corner‑kick review” to the VAR protocol. The amendment received a majority of “no” votes, primarily because of concerns over:

• Increased match‑time delays,
• Resource constraints for domestic leagues,
• Technical feasibility of capturing clear corner‑kick footage.

FIFA’s subsequent proposal to run a separate trial at the 2026 World Cup bypasses the IFAB vote, allowing the governing body to test the concept at its flagship tournament before seeking a permanent rule change.

Key Stakeholders

• Pierluigi Collina – FIFA’s Head of Refereeing, a vocal supporter of expanding VAR to cover corner kicks and other “edge‑case” situations.
• Domestic league officials – Representatives from the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga and other top leagues have expressed reservations about the additional workload.
• Technology partners – Companies such as Hawk‑Eye, GoalControl and Adidas (ball sensor technology) are crucial for delivering the high‑resolution camera angles and real‑time data required for corner‑kick reviews.

Technical Infrastructure

Successful VAR reviews of corners demand a combination of:

1. Multiple high‑speed cameras positioned along the goal line and near the corner flag to capture the exact moment the ball crosses the line.
2. Ball‑tracking sensors embedded in the official match ball (the Adidas Telstar 18 series) that can instantly confirm whether the ball has fully crossed the line.
3. Additional VAR personnel – the World Cup’s 2022 edition already employed five VAR officials per match; a corner‑kick review would likely require a sixth “corner‑kick VAR”.

Potential Impact on Match Flow

Current VAR protocols allow a maximum of 90 seconds for a review. Adding corner‑kick checks could increase this average duration to 120 seconds, especially in tight situations where the ball’s position is ambiguous. FIFA argues that the benefit of correcting a decisive error outweighs the modest increase in stoppage time.

Summary

FIFA’s plan to test VAR for corner kicks at the 2026 World Cup reflects a growing desire to minimise critical officiating errors in high‑stakes matches. While IFAB rejected a formal rule change in 2023, the trial will provide concrete data on feasibility, cost, and impact on game rhythm. Stakeholders such as Pierluigi Collina endorse the move, whereas many domestic leagues remain cautious due to resource limitations. The outcome of the World Cup trial will shape whether corner‑kick VAR becomes a permanent fixture in the Laws of the Game.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Referees and VAR Teams

1. Familiarise with the new protocol – Study the draft “corner‑kick VAR” guidelines released by FIFA in March 2025.
2. Maintain communication – Use the established VAR‑to‑referee headset to convey decisions quickly and avoid confusion.
3. Prioritise clear evidence – Only intervene when the camera angle or ball sensor unambiguously shows the ball crossing the goal line.

For League Administrators

• Conduct a cost‑benefit analysis before adopting corner‑kick VAR at the domestic level.
• Invest in additional goal‑line cameras and consider partnership with technology providers that already serve the World Cup.
• Develop a training programme for VAR officials that includes corner‑kick scenarios.

For Fans and Media

Understanding the scope of VAR helps manage expectations. When a corner‑kick review occurs, the broadcast will typically display a “VAR review” graphic and a brief replay from the goal‑line camera. Knowing that the decision can take up to 90 seconds will reduce frustration during live matches.

Points of Caution

• Over‑reliance on technology – Sensors and cameras can fail; officials must retain the ability to make decisions without technological assistance.
• Potential for increased match‑time delays – Even a few extra seconds per review can accumulate in tightly contested games.
• Resource disparity – Lower‑division leagues may lack the budget to install the required equipment, creating an uneven playing field.
• Legal challenges – Any procedural error in a World Cup match could lead to formal appeals, potentially involving FIFA’s Dispute Resolution Chamber.

Comparison

Current VAR Scope vs. Proposed Corner‑Kick VAR

Domestic Leagues vs. World Cup

Most top‑tier leagues, such as the Premier League, already operate with a limited VAR crew and two goal‑line cameras per match. Adding a corner‑kick review would require:

• Upgrading camera infrastructure (extra 4–6 cameras per stadium).
• Hiring additional VAR assistants, increasing operational budgets by 15‑20 %.
• Training referees on new protocols, which could take 3‑4 months.

In contrast, FIFA can allocate a larger budget for the World Cup, allowing extensive camera coverage and a dedicated “corner‑kick VAR” team.

Legal Implications

While the proposed trial does not immediately raise new legislation, it could affect existing legal frameworks governing match officiating:

1. FIFA Dispute Resolution Chamber (DRC) – Any contested corner‑kick decision at the World Cup could be appealed to the DRC, setting precedents for future matches.
2. National association statutes – Domestic leagues may need to amend their regulations to incorporate corner‑kick VAR, requiring approval from national football federations.
3. Data protection – The addition of more cameras and ball‑sensor data increases the volume of personal data (e.g., player positioning). Associations must ensure compliance with GDPR (EU) and comparable privacy laws.
4. Broadcast rights – Broadcasters may need to negotiate additional fees for the extra replay footage, potentially affecting contractual obligations.

All legal considerations will be closely monitored by FIFA’s Legal Department throughout the trial phase.

Conclusion

FIFA’s decision to trial VAR for corner kicks at the 2026 World Cup marks a significant step toward reducing one of the most common sources of controversy in modern football. The initiative balances the desire for greater accuracy with practical concerns about match flow, cost, and technological readiness. If the trial proves successful, it could pave the way for a permanent amendment to the Laws of the Game, reshaping how referees, leagues, and fans experience set‑piece situations worldwide.

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