Tim Ream's Historic VAR Moment at World Cup 2026
June 15, 2026 · Gustavo Morales
During the USMNT's World Cup match against Paraguay, Tim Ream not only became the oldest player to represent the team at the tournament, but also the first to benefit from the VAR 'mistaken identity' rule change.
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Tim Ream made history on Friday by becoming the oldest player to represent the US men's national team at a World Cup. The match against Paraguay also saw Ream become the first player to benefit from VAR's 'mistaken identity' rule. At 38, Ream took the field in a momentous occasion for his career. However, the true highlight came 53 minutes into the game when he was incorrectly booked after a challenge on Paraguay's Miguel AlmirĂłn. Referee Danny Makkelie, after a review prompted by VAR, overturned the yellow card issued to Ream, correctly penalizing AlmirĂłn for simulation instead. This application of the new rule spared Ream from carrying a yellow card into future group stage matches, emphasizing the rule's importance in fair play. In contrast, US midfielder Tyler Adams was not as fortunate, as he carries a yellow card from the match into the upcoming game against Australia.
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