The Club World Cup are to test out a new idea from the IFAB. The referees will explain their VAR decisions through a microphone on the field, as in the NFL
the FIFA refereeing committee a few days ago, announced the 26 referees who will be refereeing at the World Cup in Morocco from 1 to 11 February.
The new VAR feature was announced on wednesday’s in the tournament. The IFAB, which sets football rules, said referees will explain VAR decisions over loudspeakers on the field, similar to the NFL.
The organization also added that the first tests will be held at the club world championship, and in the summer it may be broughtfor the women’s world cup.
The idea is to test it next year with the goal of making it permanent. The first game to feature this is Ahly-Auckland City on February 1st.
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino revealed on Friday that FIFA is looking forward to review plans to create three team groups for the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA previously announced that the 2026 final, which will be expanded from 32 to 48 teams, will divide the country into 16 groups of three in the first round. In this format, the top two teams from each group advance to a 32-team elimination tournament.
However, FIFA President Infantino said the unexpected success of the traditional first-round format at the Qatar World Cup, where teams are divided into traditional groups of four, forced him to rethink his decision. Several groups in Qatar started their races with qualification hanging in the balance until the final whistle.
“The groups of four have been absolutely incredible until the last minute of the last match. We have to revisit or at least rediscuss the format, whether it’s 16 groups of three or 12 groups of four. This is something that will be on the agenda in the next few weeks,” Infantino told a press conference in Doha.
Infantino added that the 2026 World Cup format could mimic the European Championship with six groups of four, with the top four teams in third place also advancing to the playoffs.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Infantino said that increased competition would bring financial prosperity to FIFA. Revenue for the four-year cycle ending in 2026 is expected to rise from €7.5bn for the cycle ending in 2022 to €11bn.
When asked about expected significant revenue growth, Infantino cited an increase in the number of teams, existing arena infrastructure, and market size in North America.
“We are bullish about the power of football. We are convinced the impact of the game will be massive. It has been massive here and it will be incredible in North America. Three huge countries, 48 teams. More games, revenues will go up in terms of broadcasting, in terms of sponsorship, hospitality. We will play in huge stadiums used for American football. We are expecting 5.5 million fans travelling for these events,” Infantino concluded.
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