what does VAR mean in world cup

VAR means Video Assistant Referee in the World Cup and other soccer matches. It’s the replay-review system that helps the on-field referee check major decisions like goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity.

How it works

A team of officials watches the match on video and flags possible clear mistakes to the referee, who can then review the footage or accept the advice. The referee still makes the final call.

Why it matters

VAR is used to reduce obvious officiating errors in big moments, which is why it often becomes a major talking point in World Cup games. Recent World Cup coverage also notes that its scope can be expanded for specific tournaments, including some newer review situations.

In simple terms: VAR is soccer’s video replay help for referees.