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Copy of World Cup VAR review: Was ref right to show three ...

ESPN · Jun 12, 2026, 1:36 PM

Key takeaways

  • For the tournament, we are taking a look at the major incidents to examine and explain the process in terms of both VAR protocol and the laws of the game.
  • Andy Davies (@andydaviesref) is a former Select Group referee, with over 12 seasons on the elite list, working across the Premier League and Championship.
  • South Africa is a record for the opening match of a World Cup.

Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.

For the tournament, we are taking a look at the major incidents to examine and explain the process in terms of both VAR protocol and the laws of the game.

Andy Davies (@andydaviesref) is a former Select Group referee, with over 12 seasons on the elite list, working across the Premier League and Championship. With extensive experience at the elite level, he has operated within the VAR space in the Premier League and offers a unique insight into the processes, rationale and protocols that are delivered on a World Cup matchday.

The three red cards in Mexico vs. South Africa is a record for the opening match of a World Cup. Yuri CORTEZ / AFP via Getty ImagesReferee: Wilton Pereira Sampaio VAR: Nicolás Gallo Barragán

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