The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of international football, a stage where legends are made, and dreams are realized. But it’s also a tournament where refereeing decisions can make or break a team’s chances, sparking debates that last for decades. Over the years, several controversial calls have left fans, players, and pundits in disbelief, forever etching these moments into World Cup history. From disputed penalties to ghost goals, let’s take a deep dive into the most controversial refereeing decisions of all time.
1. The “Hand of God” – Argentina vs. England (1986)
No list of controversial World Cup decisions is complete without mentioning Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal. During the 1986 quarterfinal between Argentina and England, Maradona leaped into the air and punched the ball past English goalkeeper Peter Shilton. The referee, Ali Bin Nasser, missed the handball, and the goal stood, giving Argentina a 1-0 lead. Maradona later described it as “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.”
The controversy didn’t end there. Just minutes later, Maradona scored what is often called the “Goal of the Century”, dribbling past five English players to secure a 2-0 victory. While the second goal was a masterpiece, the first remains one of the most infamous moments in World Cup history. England’s players and fans were left fuming, and the incident continues to be a sore point in the rivalry between the two nations.
2. Frank Lampard’s Ghost Goal – England vs. Germany (2010)
In the 2010 Round of 16 match between England and Germany, Frank Lampard unleashed a shot that hit the crossbar, bounced clearly over the goal line, and spun back into play. However, the referee, Jorge Larrionda, and his assistants failed to award the goal, despite replays showing the ball had crossed the line by at least a foot. England trailed 2-1 at the time, and the disallowed goal could have changed the momentum of the match.
Germany went on to win 4-1, but the incident reignited the debate over the use of technology in football. FIFA eventually introduced Goal-Line Technology (GLT) in 2014, largely due to the outcry over Lampard’s “ghost goal.”
3. The Battle of Nuremberg – Portugal vs. Netherlands (2006)
The 2006 Round of 16 match between Portugal and the Netherlands is often referred to as the “Battle of Nuremberg” due to its physicality and the sheer number of cards handed out. Russian referee Valentin Ivanov issued a record-breaking 16 yellow cards and 4 red cards, making it one of the most chaotic matches in World Cup history.
Many criticized Ivanov for losing control of the game, as players from both sides engaged in rough tackles and heated confrontations. The match ended 1-0 in favor of Portugal, but the refereeing decisions overshadowed the result, with fans and analysts questioning whether Ivanov’s handling of the game was too harsh or too lenient.
4. South Korea’s Controversial Run – 2002 World Cup
The 2002 World Cup, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, was marred by allegations of biased refereeing in favor of South Korea. In their Round of 16 match against Italy, Spanish referee Byron Moreno made several questionable decisions, including disallowing a legitimate Italian goal and sending off Francesco Totti for an alleged dive. South Korea eventually won 2-1 in extra time, but the match left a bitter taste for Italian fans.
Similarly, in the quarterfinals against Spain, Egyptian referee Gamal Al-Ghandour disallowed two Spanish goals for dubious offside calls. South Korea won on penalties, advancing to the semifinals. These decisions led to widespread accusations of favoritism, with some even suggesting that FIFA had influenced the referees to ensure the host nation’s success.
5. Thierry Henry’s Handball – France vs. Ireland (2009 World Cup Qualifiers)
While not part of the World Cup itself, this controversial moment during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers had a significant impact on the tournament. In the playoff match between France and Ireland, Thierry Henry clearly handled the ball twice before setting up William Gallas for the decisive goal. The referee, Martin Hansson, missed the handball, and France qualified for the World Cup at Ireland’s expense.
The incident sparked outrage in Ireland and led to calls for the introduction of Video Assistant Referees (VAR). Henry later admitted to the handball, but the damage was done. Ireland’s fans felt robbed, and the controversy remains a sore point in their football history.
6. The Disallowed Goal – USA vs. Slovenia (2010)
In the 2010 group stage match between the USA and Slovenia, the Americans thought they had completed a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down when Maurice Edu scored a late winner. However, the referee, Koman Coulibaly, disallowed the goal for a mysterious foul that no one could identify. Replays showed no clear infringement, leaving fans and players baffled.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw, and Coulibaly’s decision became one of the most debated moments of the tournament. The incident highlighted the need for greater transparency in refereeing decisions and contributed to the push for VAR.
7. The Phantom Foul – Brazil vs. Switzerland (2018)
In the 2018 group stage match between Brazil and Switzerland, Gabriel Jesus was brought down in the penalty box, but the referee, César Arturo Ramos, waved play on. Replays showed clear contact, and many felt Brazil should have been awarded a penalty. The match ended 1-1, and the decision left Brazilian fans frustrated.
This incident was one of many during the 2018 World Cup that fueled the debate over the inconsistent application of VAR, which was being used in the tournament for the first time.
8. The Unseen Elbow – Uruguay vs. Italy (2014)
In the 2014 group stage match between Uruguay and Italy, Luis Suárez infamously bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder. The referee, Marco Rodríguez, missed the incident entirely, and Suárez was not punished during the match. Uruguay went on to win 1-0, knocking Italy out of the tournament.
Suárez was later banned for four months by FIFA, but the incident raised questions about the referee’s ability to control the game and spot such blatant acts of misconduct.
9. The Offside That Wasn’t – Argentina vs. Belgium (2014)
In the 2014 quarterfinal between Argentina and Belgium, Gonzalo Higuaín scored what appeared to be a legitimate goal, only for it to be ruled offside. Replays showed that Higuaín was clearly onside, and the decision denied Argentina a crucial goal. Argentina eventually won 1-0, but the incident highlighted the need for better officiating in critical moments.
10. The VAR Controversy – Portugal vs. Iran (2018)
The introduction of VAR in the 2018 World Cup was meant to reduce controversy, but it didn’t always succeed. In the group stage match between Portugal and Iran, the referee awarded Iran a penalty in stoppage time after consulting VAR. The decision was highly contentious, as the contact between Cedric Soares and an Iranian player appeared minimal. Iran converted the penalty to secure a 1-1 draw, and the decision left Portugal’s players and fans furious.
Conclusion: The Human Element of Football
Refereeing decisions have always been a part of football, and the World Cup is no exception. While technology like VAR and Goal-Line Technology has helped reduce errors, controversies still arise, reminding us that the human element is an integral part of the game. These moments, whether infuriating or heartbreaking, add to the drama and passion that make the World Cup the most-watched sporting event on the planet.
As we look ahead to the 2026 World Cup, one thing is certain: refereeing decisions will continue to spark debates, create legends, and leave an indelible mark on the tournament’s history.