The United States’ World Cup opener against Paraguay will go down in history after the referee made the first ever ‘mistaken identity’ VAR check.
The bizarre scenes – which left fans momentarily confused – occurred in the second half with Paraguay 3-0 down and desperately chasing a way back into the game.
Former Newcastle star Miguel Almiron was running towards the US box when the referee deemed he had been tripped by Tim Ream, who was given a yellow card.
The game initially continued with Paraguay’s free-kick, despite Ream’s protests, and replays showed that the American had – in fact – not made any contact with Almiron.
A few moments later, when play stopped on the field, the referee was asked to pause the game by his video assistant referee, who notified him that there may be a case of ‘mistaken identity’.
The referee then went to the pitchside monitor to review the play, quickly realizing that he had been duped by Almiron, who had dived to the ground in a bid to win a free-kick.
The first ever ‘mistaken identity’ VAR check was made in the USA-Paraguay match in LA
There was initial confusion when the referee went to the monitor to review his yellow card
For the first time ever, the official was then able to rescind Ream’s yellow card and instead award one to Almiron for simulation.
On X, fans were initially left baffled by what was happening in the game, with one writing: ‘Mistaken identity? Wtf is happening in this sport?’
Another added: ‘Never seen a mistaken identity check in my life hellooooo?’
A third, meanwhile, said: ‘VAR mistaken identity is hilarious’
The 2026 World Cup is the first time a series of new rules are being introduced to the game, with additional VAR checks among them.
Tim Ream (2R) had his yellow card rescinded, and it was instead given to Miguel Almiron
For the first time at a major tournament, video officials can intervene to overturn corner kick decisions, incorrect second yellow cards – and mistaken identity, as seen on Friday night.
In addition, FIFA has implemented time-saving measures for goal-kicks, throw-ins and substitutions.
At the tournament in the US, Canada and Mexico, players will have a five-second countdown for goal-kicks and throw-ins, and if deemed to be deliberately slowing down play, a goal-kick can become a corner, or the throw can be given to the opposition.
