Joe Dickerson to serve as VAR official at World Cup

Joe Dickerson, recognized as one of North America's top referees, will take on the role of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during the World Cup this summer in North America. After being named the 2025 US Soccer male referee of the year, Dickerson transitions from officiating on the field into the VAR booth, where he will assist referees with decision-making on contentious plays. His experience as a referee and a background in philosophy, focusing on empathy and leadership, will inform his approach in the high-pressure environment of the tournament. Dickerson is also pursuing a master's degree at the University of Chicago with a thesis on Machiavelli's political philosophy, connecting his studies with his refereeing work. Discussions around the VAR process have intensified, especially given its impact on recent matches in both club and international contexts.

• 4:30 PMYahoo Sports — Meet the philosopher-in-training who will be at the VAR monitor this World Cup
• 4:30 PMThe Guardian Sport — Meet the philosopher-in-training who will be at the VAR monitor this World Cup