SWITZERLAND benefited from a controversial decision in their World Cup opener against Qatar. Remo Freuler got to a headed pass in the box before the onrushing Qatar keeper, popping the ball over

San Francisco Bay Area: FIFA issued an official clarification on the AR controversy during Switzerland vs Qatar at the FIFA World Cup 2026, stating that "a brief technical glitch" disrupted the generation of the semi-automated offside animation graphic and "workflow of the VAR was not affected by this issue.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has witnessed its first major officiating scandal after Switzerland’s 1-1 draw with Qatar at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium was marred by a highly controversial Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision.

FIFA has come under intense scrutiny after a four-hour failure of its semi-automated offside technology sparked controversy during a World Cup match involving Switzerland. With no offside lines, graphics or visual evidence available,

Gary Neville labeled FIFA a dictatorship after a controversial penalty was awarded to Switzerland against Qatar without an offside replay shown.

So much for Switzerland staying in the neutral zone. The Swiss might have been a step offside before the foul against Qatar keeper Mahmud Abunada that resulted in a penalty kick and a tiebreaking goal Saturday for Switzerland’s Breel Embolo during both teams’ World Cup opener.

FIFA has explained the VAR controversy during Switzerland vs Qatar at the FIFA World Cup 2026, confirming a technical issue affected the offside animation graphic. Meanwhile, former England defender Gary Neville has slammed FIFA.

A historic moment for the Gulf nation and confusion for TV viewers - our writers break down the key moments on Santa

A controversial VAR offside decision during Qatar vs Switzerland's World Cup Group G match left fans confused as UK-based commentators Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon debated the disputed call live on ai