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The United States opened their World Cup campaign with a commanding 4–1 win over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium, but the result was overshadowed by an unprecedented VAR intervention that briefly left players, officials, and fans confused.
The co-hosts were already in control, leading 3–0, when a controversial moment involving veteran defender Tim Ream, 38, disrupted the flow of the match. Ream was initially penalised for a challenge on Miguel Almirón, with referee Danny Makkelie awarding a free-kick and issuing a yellow card.
However, the decision did not stand for long. After play restarted, the video assistant referee intervened, sending Makkelie to the pitchside monitor. The referee subsequently overturned his original call.
In a rare reversal, Ream’s caution was rescinded, and Almirón was instead booked for simulation, with officials concluding the forward had dived.
The incident marked the first VAR intervention for mistaken identity at a World Cup, enabled by FIFA’s updated regulations introduced for the tournament.
Head of referees Pierluigi Collina had specifically advocated for the rule, allowing disciplinary decisions to be corrected when the wrong player is punished.
According to the regulation, yellow or red cards issued to the wrong player can be adjusted, even after play has resumed, which contributed to confusion inside the stadium.
Despite the officiating drama, the United States, coached by former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, delivered a strong performance. Folarin Balogun scored twice, becoming only the second US player to net more than once in a World Cup match, while an own goal from Damian Bobadilla added to their advantage.
Paraguay briefly responded through Mauricio, but Giovanni Reyna sealed the victory with a late curling strike from 20 yards in stoppage time.
The win ensured a strong start for the hosts, even as the match itself became a landmark moment for VAR interpretation at the tournament.
