Explained: What Is FIFA's Latest 'Mistaken Identity' Rule That Saved USA's Tim Ream

Published 13 June 2026 · sports

Explained: What Is FIFA's Latest 'Mistaken Identity' Rule That Saved USA's Tim Ream Published By, Last Updated: June 13, 2026, 13:35 IST FIFA World Cup

Explained: What Is FIFA's Latest 'Mistaken Identity' Rule That Saved USA's Tim Ream Published By, Last Updated: June 13, 2026, 13:35 IST FIFA World Cup VAR controversy as Danny Makkelie uses mistaken identity rule in United States vs Paraguay, overturning Tim Ream booking in 4-1 victory. Rapid Read Miguel Almiron and United States' Tim Ream battle for the ball (Picture credit: AP) The Video Assistant Referee at the FIFA World Cup game between the United States and Paraguay made history with a ‘mistaken identity’ as a strange yellow card booking left players and fans equally confused. The United States were cruising at 3-0 against Paraguay in their Group D clash when confusion took over the game. Veteran defender Tim Ream, 38, was penalised for a foul on Miguel Almirón and shown a yellow card, despite appearing perplexed by the decision.

After the free-kick had been taken, Dutch referee Danny Makkelie was called over by the VAR and reversed his decision, a move that officials aren’t permitted to make under the protocol. Watch the video here La regla de la “Identidad equivocada" se aplicó por primera vez en la historia del fútbol. El VAR intervino para trasladar una tarjeta amarilla del defensor Ream de Estados Unidos al atacante Almirón de Paraguay, quien había simulado una falta. Opiniones? pic.twitter.com/WapI4TvxMK— Ale Bertini (@abertini1) June 13, 2026 After withdrawing Ream’s yellow card, Makkelie instead booked Almirón for simulation. The incident marked the first VAR intervention for mistaken identity at a FIFA World Cup, although not quite in the manner many would have anticipated. FIFA has introduced multiple rule changes for the tournament, including one championed by referees chief Pierluigi Collina concerning mistaken identity.

Under the rule, if a footballer is cautioned or sent off for an offence that was committed by an opponent, the referee is allowed to overturn and correct the disciplinary decision. Another new law permits VAR reviews for second yellow cards that result in a red card, but not for a footballer’s first booking. As a result, the only way Makkelie could overturn Ream’s yellow card was by invoking the mistaken identity provision. The confusion deepened when officials permitted play to restart before halting the game again, leaving fans baffled, as decisions aren’t revisited once play has resumed. Meanwhile, the United States could hardly have asked for a better start to their FIFA World Cup campaign, as a brace from Folarin Balogun and a brilliant curling effort from Gio Reyna powered the co-hosts to a commanding 4-1 win against Paraguay.