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

Last Updated:June 13, 2026, 13:31 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.

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.

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.

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