VAR controversy erupts in Brazil vs. Morocco at the 2026 World Cup

Brazil and Morocco are playing a group-stage match at the 2026 World Cup, and the game has already sparked a social-media uproar over two violent tackles that many fans say should have led to red cards. The match is being played at MetLife Stadium in New York and, until the controversy, had been described as fast-paced and entertaining.

In the first half, Vinicius Junior was hit by a hard challenge from Achraf Hakimi. According to the report, the VAR team did not call the referee to review the incident or issue a red card. Minutes later, Bruno Guimaraes made a heavy tackle on Hakimi as well, and he also was not shown a red card.

The article says online users are asking whether the VAR was “asleep” and arguing that both incidents merited dismissals. The piece notes that the match is part of the group stage of the 2026 World Cup and that the debate is focused on the officiating, not the scoreline.