Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett has insisted that FIFA will take action after a 'clear and obvious' VAR issue during the 2026 World Cup Group G opener between Belgium and Egypt. The match ended in a 1-1 draw in Seattle, but a controversial moment in the build-up to Belgium's equaliser has sparked debate.
Controversial Goal in Seattle
Belgium and Egypt played out a 1-1 stalemate at Seattle Stadium on Monday, with both sides having opportunities to secure all three points. Egypt took the lead in the first half through Emam Ashour, assisted by outgoing Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah. Belgium responded in the second half, with Romelu Lukaku initially credited with the equaliser before it was later confirmed as an own goal by Mohamed Hany.
However, former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has argued that Belgium's goal should not have stood. Hackett claims that a free-kick awarded in the build-up was taken approximately 15 yards closer to the goal than where the foul occurred, a clear procedural error.
Hackett's Criticism
Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett said: 'This is a poor piece of officiating, not ensuring that the ball is positioned correctly at the point where the foul took place. The free-kick was taken from an advanced position approximately 15 yards forward from where the foul took place.'
He added: 'This clear and obvious error by the referee should have resulted in the intervention of the VAR. The outcome should have been a disallowed goal, and the restart a free-kick at the position where the original offence took place.'
FIFA's Response Expected
Hackett believes FIFA's referees management will review the performance and provide appropriate operational advice to the referee. 'I have no doubt that in reviewing this performance, the FIFA referees management will be giving the referee some appropriate operational advice,' he stated.
Both Belgium and Egypt now have two remaining group games as they aim to reach the knockout stages, which include an additional round-of-32 phase. The other Group G match also ended in a draw, with New Zealand and Iran playing out a 2-2 stalemate in Los Angeles.
