VAR Overrules Dutch Referee Danny Makkelie for Peculiar Reason at World Cup

Pulse Sports Team 04:06 - 13 June 2026

Danny Makkelie was called to the VAR monitor for an unusual reason during the opening match between the United States and Paraguay. He had mistakenly issued a yellow card to the wrong player. Instead of carding a Paraguayan player, an American received the booking, a decision he had to reverse after reviewing the footage.

Danny Makkelie was honored by FIFA to officiate the opening match between the United States and Paraguay, a task he performed commendably. He had little to do in the first half as the USA significantly outplayed their opponents. It was no surprise that the halftime score stood at 3-0.

VAR Intervention

However, a notable incident occurred after halftime. The Dutch referee was called to the VAR monitor due to a "mistaken identity," as indicated on the screen. Essentially, Makkelie had mistakenly issued a yellow card to the wrong player.

An American and a Paraguayan player were in a challenge, with American Tim Ream tackling Miguel Almirón. The latter went to ground, and initially, a free-kick was awarded, along with a yellow card for Ream.

Makkelie's Correction

Paraguay had just taken the free-kick when Makkelie quickly blew his whistle. A mistake had been made. The VAR intervened and called Makkelie to the screen. Upon reviewing the footage, he quickly realized that Ream had not touched his opponent at all and that Almirón had simulated the foul. Makkelie immediately corrected his decision, instead issuing a yellow card to Paraguay.

This was one of the few striking moments for Makkelie in his first World Cup match. The USA had been dominant until that point, clearly having the upper hand. Before the game, the Dutchman experienced a spectacular opening ceremony. As it was the first match played in America, it warranted an extravagant ceremony attended by several well-known superstars.

Makkelie then witnessed the host nation's supremacy, as they won the opening match 4-1. Folarin Balogun was the star with two goals. Damian Bobadilla scored an own goal just seven minutes in, putting Paraguay on the back foot. Deep into injury time, Giovanni Reyna sealed the final score.

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