A major controversy erupted at the 2026 World Cup after Germany’s extra-time goal against Paraguay was disallowed following a VAR review. In the round of 32 match at Boston Stadium, Jonathan Tah’s header in the 102nd minute was ruled out after the referee, consulting the video assistant referee, determined that defender Waldemar Anton had lightly impeded Paraguayan goalkeeper Orlando Gill. The match ended 1-1 and went to penalties, where Paraguay triumphed 4-3, eliminating Germany from the tournament.

French football legend Thierry Henry condemned the decision as “crazy” and “very poor,” arguing that the contact was minimal and the goal should have stood. He said Germany had been “robbed” of a legitimate goal. Analysts Roy Keane and Alan Shearer also criticized the call, suggesting the goalkeeper had misjudged the cross and exaggerated the contact to influence the review.

The incident reignited debate over the effectiveness of VAR technology and its role in correcting “clear and obvious errors,” with renewed scrutiny on how such decisions impact major tournament outcomes.