The 2026 FIFA World Cup saw a historic refereeing moment during the United States' opening group stage match against Paraguay on Friday night. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) intervened to transfer a yellow card from an American defender to the Paraguayan forward who had dived to win it, marking the first time the mistaken identity protocol has been used to penalize simulation in this manner.
Incident in the 53rd Minute
The incident occurred in the 53rd minute at SoFi Stadium, with the United States already leading 3-0. Paraguay captain Miguel Almiron fell after minimal contact from US defender Tim Ream, and referee Danny Makkelie showed a yellow card to the Charlotte FC defender. However, VAR intervened, and Makkelie was called to the pitchside monitor. Replays showed Almiron had not been fouled, taking three full strides after losing possession before theatrically throwing himself to the ground. There was no meaningful contact. The referee rescinded the booking against Ream and showed the yellow card to Almiron for diving.
Significant Rule Change
This intervention highlighted one of the most significant rule changes FIFA introduced before the tournament. For the first time at a major competition, VAR has been granted enhanced authority over specific corner-kick decisions, erroneous second yellow cards, and instances of mistaken identity. Match officials can now rectify a broader range of clear and obvious errors than previously permitted, including scenarios where the wrong player receives a disciplinary sanction.
US Dominance
The incident provided a fleeting talking point in a match otherwise dominated by the United States. The hosts made a dream start, racing to a 3-0 lead by halftime in front of a thunderous SoFi Stadium crowd. Christian Pulisic set up Weston McKennie, whose delivery was bundled into his own net by Damian Bobadilla in the seventh minute. Folarin Balogun then scored twice, first from a Pulisic assist and then with a magnificent weak-foot strike into the top corner in stoppage time. Pulisic's assist tied him with Clint Dempsey for fourth place in USMNT history with 21 career assists.
Paraguay pulled one back in the 73rd minute through a slick team move, with Julio Enciso threading a sublime pass to his teammate, who coolly slotted past Matt Freese to make it 3-1. Gio Reyna capped the victory in stoppage time with a stunning outside-of-the-foot finish, launching the US campaign with a winning start.
