VAR Storm Erupts: Modric’s Fury at Portugal Should Put England on Red Alert

VAR has become the biggest talking point of the 2026 World Cup, and it has left Luka Modric fuming. After Croatia crashed out 2-1 to Portugal, the veteran captain accused the video system of blatant double standards: a penalty handed to Portugal and a Croatia equaliser chalked off. “If the roles had been reversed,” Modric raged, convinced that bigger nations get the favourable calls. It’s a controversy that lands squarely at England’s door — Gareth Southgate’s successors are just as much at the mercy of the video verdict in this tournament.

Exactly what Modric is accusing VAR of

Modric pointed to two specific decisions in Croatia’s defeat. A soft penalty awarded to Portugal, and a Croatia equaliser ruled out after a VAR review. The captain argued that the consistency of video officiating shifts depending on a nation’s status.

“If the roles had been reversed, they’d never have given that penalty,” the Croatia midfielder insisted. Beyond the frustration, his outburst raises a genuine question: does VAR, designed to correct errors, apply the same criteria to everyone? Croatia, semi-finalists in 2022, leave the 2026 World Cup with a deep sense of injustice.

Why this controversy matters directly to England

England are directly affected because their own campaign hinges on the very same disputed VAR protocols. Just like Croatia, the Three Lions face knockout ties where a penalty or a disallowed goal can decide everything.

England’s coaching staff will be watching these calls closely. The question of video-review consistency could prove decisive if the tournament favourites run into a contentious moment in a win-or-go-home clash. Modric’s meltdown serves as a full-scale warning.

VAR at the 2026 World Cup: officiating under intense scrutiny

VAR at the 2026 World Cup is being examined forensically in every high-stakes match. The 48-team format has multiplied the number of decisive games — and with them the flashpoints around penalties and disallowed goals.

FIFA defends a uniform protocol, but Modric’s comments have reignited the debate over a perceived bias towards the biggest nations. For England fans, the message is clear: hope the video works for the Three Lions as much as, in Modric’s view, it worked against Croatia.

FAQ