World Cup Fans Rage Over Qatar Penalty After Possible Offside Not Reviewed

Social media erupted over what many users described as the first major refereeing controversy of the 2026 World Cup, after Qatar appeared to be denied against Switzerland in a match on June 13, 2026. The dispute centered on a foul by Qatar’s goalkeeper inside the box, which led to a penalty that was ultimately upheld by VAR.

Replays suggested the Swiss player who was fouled may have been offside when he moved toward the ball. Even so, the VAR team did not ask the referee to review the incident, and the penalty stood. Breel Embolo converted, scoring the opening goal.

Fans online were furious, with many insisting Switzerland should have been flagged for offside before the penalty was awarded. Posts called it a “robbery” and asked repeatedly why the offside was not given, while others noted that VAR had ruled the play onside and allowed the goal to stand.

The article does not report any official explanation from match officials or FIFA, but it shows the backlash spreading quickly across social media in the aftermath of the decision.