World Cup records lowest fouls but sees surge in red cards amid tech debate

The opening phase of the FIFA World Cup set a historic low for fouls, with just 1,484 infringements across 66 matches – an average of 22.5 per game, the fewest since England 1966. While yellow cards dropped, expulsions rose: referees issued 2.5 cards per game on average and eight red cards were shown in the group stage, matching the total counts of the entire 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

Officials cited a more permissive refereeing approach aimed at preserving game rhythm, especially with the tournament’s new hydration‑break pauses. The VAR system was used sparingly, primarily for off‑side checks and a few penalty decisions, but its broader impact sparked criticism. Analysts argued that reliance on ball‑embedded sensors and extensive video review sometimes contradicted the sport’s spirit, as seen in controversial calls affecting matches such as Portugal’s win over Croatia and disputed goal disallowances.

The debate highlights tension between technology‑driven fairness and traditional gameplay, with fans and commentators questioning whether the increased use of VAR and other tech tools is eroding the essence of football.