World Cup 2026: The VAR decision that dumbfounded the world’s best refs

It was a decision that stunned the world’s best referees.

France forward Kylian Mbappe was on the attack in the 58th minute against Senegal when he went down inside the box after a challenge by Sadio Mane.

With the game goalless at the New York New Jersey Stadium, referee Alireza Faghani was sent to the pitchside monitor to look at the challenge again.

He returned to the pitch and appeared to point to the penalty spot, much to the delight of the thousands of France fans inside the ground.

However, their joy was short-lived as Faghani had actually signalled for a goal-kick, before he explained that Mbappe had initiated the contact.

Speaking on BBC One, Darren Cann – the 2010 World Cup final assistant referee – said: “My phone has blown up with messages from several of the world’s best referees who also can’t understand why a penalty wasn’t given.”

Former Scotland winger Pat Nevin, at the game for BBC Radio 5 Live, labelled it a “rubbish decision”.

“Utter nonsense,” added Nevin.

“No chance at all. How can he [Mbappe] have initiated the contact? The most nonsensical line I have ever heard.”

Former England captain Alan Shearer, at the game for BBC One, said it was a “bizarre” decision not to award a penalty.

“I don’t get it,” added Shearer. “You can see the lunge from Mane and his left leg catches Mbappe.

“How can Mbappe initiate contact if he is in front of him? It’s bizarre, it really is.”