Croatia have lodged a formal FIFA complaint over an ‘abuse of technology’ minutes after crashing out of the World Cup with a 2-1 loss to Portugal. And if it can happen to the 2018 runners-up, it can happen to England. The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) claims VAR went beyond its role on a decisive moment. The question now hanging over Tuchel’s squad is blunt: what if it’s us next? England play the same tournament, with the same officials and the same technology protocol.
What Croatia Are Actually Accusing FIFA Of
Croatia are contesting a VAR intervention on the moment that sealed their 2-1 defeat to Portugal. The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) uses the phrase ‘abuse of technology’: in their view, the video assistant overstepped its remit by overturning a call that should have stayed with the on-field referee. Luka Modrić’s side were still in the tie and went out on a single frozen frame.
The nuance matters. Croatia aren’t only saying ‘the referee got it wrong’. They’re questioning the VAR protocol itself — how the technology was used. That’s a far bigger charge, because it opens up a debate about whether the system can be trusted across the entire 2026 World Cup.
Why England Need to Watch This Closely
For England, this VAR row is a direct warning shot. The Three Lions play the same tournament, with the same referees and the same technology protocol. If a Harry Kane goal is chalked off at the monitor or a soft penalty is given, England could be undone by one image — exactly like Croatia were.
Thomas Tuchel knows that in a 48-team World Cup the margins are razor thin. An offside by a toenail, a handball reinterpreted on screen, and a genuine contender is on the plane home. England, carrying real expectation with Kane and Jude Bellingham, cannot treat the Croatia case as someone else’s problem. It’s a preview of what the knockout rounds can do.
VAR at the 2026 World Cup: A System Under Serious Strain
The technology isn’t new, but its use has never caused this much friction. Semi-automated offside, multi-angle cameras and broadcast referee audio: the 2026 World Cup pushes transparency further than ever. Yet the more you show, the more you argue. Croatia’s complaint lands precisely as every call is replayed in slow motion for millions of viewers.
Consistency is the real issue. The same foul flagged in one game and waved away in another, and the credibility of the whole tournament wobbles. England fans want the bare minimum: the same standard from the first match to the last. A World Cup should never be settled by an interpretation of protocol.
FAQ
Why have Croatia complained to FIFA?
The Croatian Football Federation allege an ‘abuse of technology’, claiming VAR went beyond its role on the decisive moment of their 2-1 defeat to Portugal, resulting in what they see as an unjust elimination.
Could this controversy affect England?
Indirectly, yes. England play the same tournament under the same VAR protocol. Any contentious technology decision in the knockout rounds could shape the Three Lions’ run, just as it did for Croatia.
Can FIFA overturn the result of the match?
It’s highly unlikely. An administrative complaint does not void a sporting result. The debate is more likely to focus on clarifying the VAR protocol for the rest of the 2026 World Cup.
Is Portugal really through despite the protest?
Yes. Portugal’s progression was earned on the pitch with the 2-1 win. A formal complaint does not suspend the result unless FIFA rules otherwise.
Will VAR be changed during the 2026 World Cup?
No mid-tournament change to the system is planned. FIFA prioritises rule stability, though criticism like Croatia’s could fuel the debate for future editions.
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