VAR's 'mistaken identity' rule used for first time at World Cup

The United States opened their World Cup campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over Paraguay, but the match was overshadowed by a historic VAR intervention that left fans and players confused. The incident occurred in the Group D match at SoFi Stadium, with the co-hosts leading 3-0.

VAR makes history with mistaken identity ruling

Veteran defender Tim Ream, 38, conceded a free-kick and was shown a yellow card for his challenge on Miguel Almiron. After the free-kick was taken, Dutch referee Danny Makkelie was sent to the monitor by VAR and overturned his decision—something officials have not previously been allowed to do. Makkelie rescinded Ream's caution and instead booked former Newcastle United forward Almiron, who had clearly dived.

This marked the first VAR intervention for mistaken identity at a World Cup, though it was not used in the way most expected. FIFA introduced a number of rule changes for the tournament, with Pierluigi Collina, the head of referees, requesting one specifically for mistaken identity. The rule states that if a player is booked or sent off—but the foul was actually committed by the opposition team—the decision can be changed.

Another new law allows second yellow cards leading to a red card to be reviewed, but not first yellow cards. The only reason Makkelie was able to rescind the decision was by using the mistaken identity law. The officials allowed the game to restart before stopping, which also confused fans, as normally once the game resumes it cannot be pulled back.

Reaction from pundits

Former Everton and Wales defender Ashley Williams, speaking to BBC Sport, said: "They let them take the free-kick, which was bizarre but clearly the right decision. It's the first time we have seen it but fair play."

Former England midfielder Danny Murphy, who was co-commentating for BBC Sport, added: "Any adaptation of the rules which means diving gets more punishment is good."

Match summary

The United States, managed by former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, won the match 4-1 to get their campaign off to a winning start in front of a jubilant home crowd. Following an own goal by Damian Bobadilla, the US led 3-0 at half-time after Folarin Balogun scored twice. In doing so, he became just the second US player to score more than once in a World Cup match.

Paraguay pulled one back through Brazilian-born Mauricio before the goal of the night from substitute Giovanni Reyna, who curled a 20-yard shot home with the outside of his right foot with the final kick of the game.