Is VAR being used differently at the World Cup vs the Premier League? (opens original article in a new tab)

VAR is used differently at the 2026 World Cup compared to the Premier League, with fewer interventions and faster decisions, though perception of controversy varies due to broadcasting styles and referee policies.

• VAR has more interventions at the 2026 World Cup than the Premier League last season
• VAR reviews are faster and less intrusive at the World Cup due to FIFA's policies and technology
• Premier League broadcasts show more detailed VAR replays than World Cup coverage
• FIFA's referee chief aims for fewer VAR interventions by raising the foul threshold
• Premier League has lower VAR intervention rate (0.29 per game) compared to Champions League (0.47)