World Cup 2026
Controversial calls
Real incidents from World Cup 2026, broken down using the exact FIFA laws referees apply.
France vs Senegal · FIFA World Cup 2026 — Group Stage
Mbappé goes down after Mané's sliding tackle
Mané slid and missed the ball. Mbappé's leg then made contact with Mané's grounded body — but VAR determined Mbappé deliberately did not avoid the contact rather than being genuinely fouled. No penalty. A brilliant defensive recovery by Mané that exposed Mbappé's attempt to manufacture a penalty.
No penalty
Argentina vs Mexico · FIFA World Cup 2026 — Group Stage
Messi steps on opponent's calf from behind
Messi followed an opponent from behind, the opponent was falling forward, and Messi's studs made contact with the back of their calf. A textbook case of serious foul play under Law 12.
Red card