FIFA has quietly adjusted its interpretation of a VAR rule after a controversial incident during the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between the United States and Paraguay. The discussion started when United States defender Tim Ream was shown a yellow card for a challenge on Paraguay captain Miguel Almiron. Minutes later, the decision was overturned after a VAR review, and Almiron was booked instead for simulation.
Tim Ream Yellow Card Reversed After Miguel Almiron Simulation Review
The incident happened during the second half of the United States’ 4-1 win over Paraguay in Los Angeles. Dutch referee Danny Makkelie initially cautioned Tim Ream after believing the defender had fouled Miguel Almiron. Play restarted with a Paraguay free-kick. Soon after, VAR official Carlos del Cerro Grande informed Makkelie of a possible mistake. The referee went to the pitchside monitor, reviewed the footage, and decided that Ream had not committed a foul. He removed Ream’s yellow card and instead showed a yellow card to Miguel Almiron for diving. The decision immediately drew attention because VAR rules normally limit reviews after play has restarted.
FIFA Explains Why Danny Makkelie Was Allowed to Change Decision
The debate centered on the “mistaken identity” rule. Existing VAR guidelines allow intervention in cases involving mistaken identity, wrongly-awarded second yellow cards, and certain other specific situations. Many observers questioned whether the review fit those rules because Tim Ream and Miguel Almiron were involved in different offences. Ream was originally punished for a foul, while Almiron was later sanctioned for simulation. FIFA’s refereeing department has now clarified its position. According to FIFA officials, Danny Makkelie had clearly cautioned the wrong player during the original incident. Because a yellow card had been issued to the incorrect player, FIFA believes the situation fell under the mistaken identity provision, allowing the review even after play restarted.
FIFA Satisfied With Outcome Despite VAR Rule Questions
The explanation represents a different interpretation from what many referees and rule observers previously understood. Traditionally, mistaken identity cases involved another player committing the same offence rather than an entirely different offence being identified. However, FIFA officials are understood to be satisfied with the final outcome. They do not believe the Laws of the Game or VAR guidelines were broken during the process. After only four matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Tim Ream and Miguel Almiron incident has already led to a notable clarification of how FIFA intends to apply the mistaken identity rule during VAR reviews for the rest of the tournament.
