Argentina lead VAR impact at 2026 World Cup with +5 net decisions

Argentina top the VAR impact rankings at the 2026 World Cup. With five favorable decisions and zero against, Lionel Scaloni’s side is the most benefited team by the video assistant referee so far. Last result: Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (2026-07-12). The stat gains extra weight ahead of their next hurdle: the semi-final clash with England, where the VAR has already made key differences.

How did the VAR help Argentina?

The VAR intervened in five of Argentina’s six matches. Every time, the calls went the Albiceleste’s way. Only in the 3-2 win over Cape Verde did the video referee not play a direct role. The five key interventions were:

  • Algeria (3-0): the VAR disallowed a goal by Farès Chaïbi that would have tied the game.
  • Austria (2-0): awarded a penalty to Argentina, though Lionel Messi missed it.
  • Jordan (3-1): awarded a penalty to La Albiceleste, converted by Lautaro Martínez.
  • Egypt (3-2): ruled out a goal by Mostafa Ziko that threatened their Round of 16 spot.
  • Switzerland (3-1): overturned a yellow card to Leandro Paredes and sent off Breel Embolo for the same incident.

Why does this matter for Argentina?

Argentina’s +5 net VAR record makes them the most favored team by the video assistant referee at the 2026 World Cup. Mexico (+4) and Portugal (+3) complete the podium of sides with the highest positive VAR impact. But the stat takes on extra meaning ahead of their next opponent: England, the team most harmed with a -3 record (one favorable, four against).

The VAR has appeared more often in this World Cup. So far, across 100 matches, there have been 55 interventions, averaging 0.55 per game. That tops the averages from Russia 2018 (0.39) and Qatar 2022 (0.39), where there were 25 appearances in 64 matches each. The technology keeps sparking debate, but for Argentina, so far, it has only brought benefits.

What’s next for Argentina?

Next fixture: vs England (away, 2026-07-15). Scaloni’s side reaches the semi-finals on a five-game winning streak —Recent form (last 5): 5W-0D-0L (WWWWW, most recent first).— and with the VAR as an unexpected ally. The clash with England promises to be tight, but La Albiceleste adds another argument to their favor: their favorable VAR record.