Canada denied possible penalty as VAR drama lights up first knockout game of World Cup 2026

Loud boos engulfed the Los Angeles Stadium on Sunday as co-hosts Canada were denied a potential penalty through VAR against South Africa in the first Round of 32 match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Canada were consistently putting pressure on South Africa in the clash but the South Africans were managing to hold on. The controversial moment came up at the cusp of half-time when Canada believed they had got a penalty but VAR ruled that it was not.

VAR drama in South Africa vs Canada

Canada were making another impressive attack against an organised South African defence with the clock moving towards half-time when the drama began. Canada's Richi Laryea was running into the box with the ball when South Africa's Khuliso Mudau made a challenge to take the ball off him.

The harsh challenge prompted furious appeals from Canada players of a penalty. The Canadian side was totally convinced that it is an unfair challenge and they would be getting a spot kick for it.

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A goal kick was awarded by the referee amid protests from the Canada players. Soon, it was referred to VAR and after a lengthy check, it was ruled to be a goal kick.

Loud boos rang through the stadium with players also upset with the decision. Canada's players surrounded the referee to question him about this call with coach Jesse Marsch also seemingly willing to come to the pitch to intervene.

Despite the heavy protests from the players, the call stayed and the game moved ahead. Replays showed Mudau got the slightest of touches on the ball before bringing Laryea down and that could have possibly helped South Africa get away with the challenge.

Soon the first half ended without any team getting a goal despite Canada making several chances.

Canada and South Africa both finished second in their respective group with four points in three matches.