On the morning of June 14, the clash between Achraf Hakimi and Vinicius Junior in the 1-1 draw between Brazil and Morocco in Group C of the 2026 World Cup became the center of controversy.
In the 45+3 minute, Vinicius accelerated down the wing and collided with Hakimi. The Real Madrid star fell to the pitch in frustration, while social media immediately exploded with a series of comments criticizing the refereeing team’s decision. Many people asserted that Vinicius was clearly fouled and questioned why VAR did not intervene.
However, according to FIFA regulations at the 2026 World Cup, VAR can only review specific situations such as goals, penalties, direct red cards, mistaken identity, or serious fouls that occur before the match is restarted. Normal decisions regarding free kicks or minor collisions usually do not fall within the scope of video technology intervention.
In the controversial situation, the main referee was thought to have deemed the contact between Hakimi and Vinicius not serious enough, or simply a legal challenge. Therefore, he let the match continue without blowing the whistle for a foul.
On the other hand, the VAR team did not determine this as violent conduct or a foul that could lead to a direct red card. Without a “clear and obvious error” from the on-field decision, VAR had no basis to ask the referee to review the footage.
Even though the controversy continued, the refereeing team’s decision was upheld. Meanwhile, Vinicius still left his mark with a crucial goal to help Brazil secure a 1-1 draw against Morocco at MetLife Stadium on the morning of June 14.
The result helped the Selecao extend their unbeaten streak to 21 matches in World Cup openers, with 17 wins and 4 draws.
