FIFA implements rule changes at 2026 World Cup, overturns cards and disallows goal

FIFA applied a series of newly revised football laws at the 2026 World Cup, resulting in overturned yellow cards and a disallowed goal.

• In the Paraguay vs USA match, a VAR review under the revised mistaken identity rule overturned Tim Ream's yellow card and booked Miguel Almirón for simulation.
• Almirón was later sent off in Paraguay's second match for covering his mouth when communicating with an opponent, a newly approved sending-off offense.
• Croatia's equalizing goal against Portugal was disallowed after a ball sensor indicated a slight touch from Igor Matanovic's hair, leaving Josko Gvardiol in an offside position.
• IFAB said competitions that started before 1 July could delay implementation of the changes, but FIFA applied them to the World Cup.