Dutch referee Danny Makkelie stopped the United States-Paraguay match in the second half after Antonee Robinson headed the ball clear. Spanish video assistant referee Carlos del Cerro Grande sent him to the pitchside monitor to review a yellow card given to USA captain Tim Ream for fouling Paraguay forward Miguel Almiron.
Makkelie reversed the caution and instead booked Almiron for diving. The crowd and pundits welcomed the decision. “Good spot and the right decision I may add. That’s the main thing,” said BBC commentator Danny Murphy. “Any adaptation of the rules that means diving gets punished is good.”
“Referee Danny Makkelie used VAR to book Miguel Almiron for diving, but sources say the decision violated the rule book.”
But the move might have been illegal. The International Football Association Board’s wording says ‘mistaken identity’ — the tweaked rule used here — only applies when the referee “has clearly penalised the wrong player”. It adds: “The offence itself cannot be reviewed.” Mistaken identity does not appear to cover an opposing player incorrectly being booked when someone has dived. Well-placed sources have told BBC Sport Makkelie’s decision was wrong, even if it felt right.
World governing body Fifa has yet to clarify the situation. Former England defender Phil Jagielka, speaking to BBC Sport, said: “I’m a defender, so I don’t mind. Stuff like this, it’s got to help. Tim Ream gets booked – he could end up getting sent off, and he’s physically not touched someone. It’s hard for the referees to get every decision correct.”
The incident comes after a series of new rules and tweaks were introduced for the 2026 World Cup, leaving players, coaches, supporters and TV viewers confused. The tournament has seen four games, three opening ceremonies, victories for two host nations and an eye-catching draw — but also questions over whether the technology is being applied correctly.