Goalkeeper Orlando Gill (right) falls after a collision with Waldemar Anton during Germany's loss to Paraguay in the World Cup 2026 round of 16 at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States on 29/6. Photo: AP

In extra time of the match at Atlanta on 29/6, center-back Jonathan Tah headed the ball into Paraguay's net, giving Germany a 2-1 lead. However, after consulting VAR, the referee disallowed the goal, determining that Waldemar Anton had fouled goalkeeper Orlando Gill earlier.

Replays showed Anton made contact from behind, causing Gill to fall just as Tah leaped to head the ball. The minor contact led many to deem the referee's decision overly strict. Had the goal been allowed, Germany would have taken the lead in extra time, facing a major opportunity to advance to the round of 8.

Instead, the match was decided by a penalty shootout. Germany lost 3-4, with Tah himself missing the decisive penalty, sending the ball over the bar. This concluded the biggest upset of the World Cup 2026 so far.

Jonathan Tah heads the ball into the net for Paraguay, but the goal was disallowed after the referee reviewed VAR in the World Cup 2026 round of 16 match at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States on 29/6. Photo: AP

Amid ongoing controversy, FIFA Referees Committee Chairman Pierluigi Collina affirmed that the refereeing team's decision fully aligned with FIFA guidelines disseminated to teams before the tournament. Referees are instructed to strictly penalize situations where attacking players actively obstruct opponents without intending to play the ball, especially when the obstructed player is the goalkeeper.

He emphasized that merely standing in a blocking position is not a foul. However, if an attacking player deliberately moves, even slightly, with the purpose of preventing an opponent from moving and thus hindering their defense, the referee and VAR must carefully review the situation to intervene if necessary. Collina stated this must be applied even more strictly if such an action prevents the goalkeeper from defending the goal.

"Coaches and players were informed beforehand, so no one should be surprised when referees penalize such fouls," the FIFA Referees Committee chairman said.

**New rules and their impact**

Collina's statement indicates that FIFA will continue to strictly address situations involving obstruction or contact with goalkeepers in the penalty area, rather than solely judging based on the level of contact.

Beyond explaining the decision regarding the Germany-Paraguay match, Collina also positively assessed the new rules implemented at World Cup 2026 aimed at reducing time-wasting and increasing active playing time.

Teams have adapted well to these changes. FIFA has implemented several rules: players have five seconds for goal kicks or throw-ins, substituted players must leave the field within 10 seconds, and injured players requiring treatment must leave the field for one minute before returning.

Before the World Cup, all coaches and teams were thoroughly briefed on these regulations by FIFA through coaching seminars and online meetings.

After 72 group stage matches, only one player violated the 10-second rule for leaving the field after substitution. According to Collina, many players even ran quickly towards the touchline to exit, even when their team was leading.

For goal kicks, only four instances exceeded the five-second limit, resulting in a corner kick for the opponent. In throw-in situations, the new rule was applied 11 times, resulting in possession being transferred to the opposing team.

Gustavo Gomez celebrates after Paraguay defeated Germany in the World Cup 2026 round of 16 at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts, United States on 29/6. Photo: AP

Collina also noted a significant reduction in injuries requiring medical attention at the tournament, while player and coaching staff behavior was generally assessed positively. By the end of the group stage, only two players and two coaches received cards for protesting referee decisions.

According to FIFA, these statistics indicate that the rule adjustments are effective, contributing to reduced dead ball time, curbing time-wasting, and promoting more continuous gameplay. Therefore, the organization affirmed its commitment to strictly enforce the issued guidelines.

Hoang An (via ESPN)