VAR punishes Almiron for diving, overturns Ream's yellow card

In the USA's opening match against Paraguay at the 2026 World Cup, the VAR system intervened during a key moment. Paraguayan winger Miguel Almiron was penalized with a yellow card for simulation after the referee initially booked US captain Tim Ream for a foul that did not occur. Referee Danny Makkelie reversed Ream's decision upon VAR review, an action allowed under mistaken identity rules. This incident highlights FIFA's intention to enforce stricter diving penalties during the tournament, contingent upon prior bookings. The match saw VAR check for mistaken identity, with FIFA satisfied with the handling of the scenario. The game was resumed incorrectly from a US free-kick instead of a drop ball, drawing some criticism. This development indicates potential future applications of VAR to deter simulation in the tournament.

• 4:02 PMYahoo Sports — VAR will punish more divers at the World Cup – but only in one scenario